Autonomic Nervous System Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

  • Increase heart rate
  • Rest and digest (correct)
  • Fight or flight response
  • Dilate pupils
  • Which of the following is NOT a component of the autonomic reflex arc?

  • Receptor
  • Interneuron (correct)
  • Motor neuron
  • Sensory neuron
  • What is the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the heart?

  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased stroke volume
  • Increased force of contraction
  • Decreased heart rate (correct)
  • Which of the following is a characteristic of the stress response?

    <p>Increased blood glucose levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Raynaud Phenomenon caused by?

    <p>Excessive sympathetic stimulation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are the cell bodies of the parasympathetic preganglionic neurons typically located?

    <p>Nuclei of cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X and lateral gray matter of spinal cord segments S2-S4 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which neurotransmitter is released by adrenergic neurons?

    <p>Norepinephrine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical length of the axons in the parasympathetic nervous system?

    <p>Preganglionic axons are long, postganglionic axons are short (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main type of receptor found on postganglionic sympathetic neurons?

    <p>Nicotinic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the parasympathetic nervous system?

    <p>Preganglionic neurons synapse with many postganglionic neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a typical location for parasympathetic ganglia?

    <p>Sympathetic trunk ganglia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of cholinergic receptor is primarily responsible for the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla?

    <p>Nicotinic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response?

    <p>Sympathetic nervous system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does activation of muscarinic receptors have on skeletal muscle blood vessels?

    <p>Dilation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical role of the parasympathetic nervous system?

    <p>Promotes relaxation and digestion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Activation of which type of receptor is responsible for the contraction of skeletal muscle fibers at the motor end plate?

    <p>Nicotinic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an effect of the parasympathetic nervous system?

    <p>Increased heart rate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of cholinergic neurons?

    <p>To release acetylcholine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of receptor is primarily found in effectors innervated by parasympathetic postganglionic neurons?

    <p>Muscarinic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a cranial nerve involved with the parasympathetic nervous system?

    <p>Cranial nerve XII (Hypoglossal) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the function of the autonomic nervous system?

    <p>Regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the difference between gray communicating rami and white communicating rami?

    <p>Gray communicating rami contain unmyelinated postganglionic axons, while white communicating rami contain myelinated preganglionic axons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which neurotransmitter is released by preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

    <p>Acetylcholine (ACh) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of autonomic tone in the regulation of bodily functions?

    <p>It maintains a balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity to ensure proper organ function. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When sympathetic stimulation increases, what effect does it have on the rate and strength of the heartbeat?

    <p>Increases rate and strength. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on blood vessels?

    <p>Constriction of vessels in non-essential organs and dilation of vessels in essential organs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a physiological effect of sympathetic stimulation?

    <p>Increased gastrointestinal (GI) activity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the hypothalamus in the regulation of autonomic tone?

    <p>It monitors the internal environment and adjusts autonomic activity accordingly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the location of preganglionic neuron cell bodies in the parasympathetic division?

    <p>They are located in the nuclei of four cranial nerves (III, VII, IX and X) in the brain stem and in the lateral gray matter of sacral segments 2–4 of the spinal cord. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following pathways is responsible for the faster response system of the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>The extensive divergence of preganglionic axons to postganglionic neurons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the location of prevertebral ganglia?

    <p>They are located anterior to the vertebral column. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a possible connection of sympathetic preganglionic neuron axons within sympathetic trunk ganglia?

    <p>All of the above are possible connections. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>To prepare the body for 'fight or flight' situations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key difference between sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia?

    <p>Sympathetic ganglia are associated with the spinal cord, while parasympathetic ganglia are associated with the brain stem. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are the cell bodies of sympathetic preganglionic neurons located?

    <p>Lateral gray horns of all thoracic segments and the first two lumbar segments of the spinal cord (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is TRUE about the autonomic nervous system?

    <p>It consists of two divisions: sympathetic and parasympathetic. (A), It is always active, but one division dominates at any given time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the autonomic plexus that is distributed along the celiac artery?

    <p>Celiac (solar) plexus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the adrenal medullae in the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>They are responsible for the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way in which a sympathetic preganglionic axon can reach a postganglionic neuron?

    <p>All of the above are possible pathways. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a cranial nerve involved in parasympathetic outflow from the brain stem?

    <p>Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following are examples of prevertebral ganglia?

    <p>Superior mesenteric ganglion, Inferior mesenteric ganglion, and Celiac ganglion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Autonomic Nervous System

    • The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary functions
    • It operates without conscious control, though the hypothalamus and brain stem provide regulation for reflexes
    • Sensors called interoceptors located in blood vessels, organs, muscles, and the nervous system monitor conditions in the internal environment
    • Chemoreceptors monitor blood CO2 levels, and mechanoreceptors detect stretch in organs/blood vessels
    • Autonomic motor neurons regulate visceral actions, either increasing or decreasing ongoing activities in the effector tissues
    • Certain autonomic responses form the basis of polygraph testing
    • Yoga and biofeedback techniques can help to manage autonomic activity
    • Most autonomic motor pathways consist of two neurons in series: preganglionic and postganglionic neurons

    Comparison of Somatic and Autonomic Nervous Systems

    • The somatic nervous system includes sensory and motor neurons. Sensory neurons are related to touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception, sight, hearing, taste, smell and equilibrium. Voluntary. Somatic motor neurons innervate skeletal muscles, which are excitatory or inhibitory.
    • The autonomic nervous system receives sensory input from organs, blood vessels, and muscles. It is involuntary, unlike the somatic nervous system.
    • The autonomic nervous system is divided into two main divisions: sympathetic and parasympathetic, usually with dual innervation of organs. These two divisions often have opposite effects on the body

    Anatomy of Autonomic Motor Pathways

    • The autonomic nervous system has two motor neurons in series: preganglionic and postganglionic.
    • The preganglionic neuron extends from the CNS to an autonomic ganglion.
    • The postganglionic neuron extends from the ganglion to the effector.
    • Sympathetic division ganglia are either in a vertical row alongside the vertebral column (sympathetic trunk ganglia) or anterior to the vertebral column (prevertebral ganglia).
    • Parasympathetic ganglia are typically next to or within the wall of the visceral effector.

    ANS Neurotransmitters and Receptors

    • Cholinergic neurons release acetylcholine. Cholinergic receptors : nicotinic, muscarinic
    • Adrenergic neurons release norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
    • Different receptors elicit excitation or inhibition.

    Receptors of the ANS

    • Cholinergic receptors include nicotinic and muscarinic receptors; they are integral proteins in postsynaptic plasma membranes activated by acetylcholine. Nicotinic receptors are on postganglionic neurons of both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Muscarinic receptors are on effector cells of parasympathetic neurons.
    • Adrenergic receptors include alpha and beta types. Alpha receptors are located in various tissues throughout the body. Beta receptors are located in tissues such as the heart and lungs.

    Beta Blockers

    • Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are medications used to lower blood pressure.
    • They work by blocking the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline)
    • By reducing the heart's rate and strength of contraction and widening blood vessels, they lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.

    Physiology of the ANS

    • Sympathetic stimulation leads to secretion of norepinephrine by the adrenal glands, increasing heart rate, constricting vessels to non-essential organs, widening vessels to skeletal muscle and the cerebral cortex, increasing breathing rate/depth, hepatic conversion of glycogen to glucose, a decrease in GI activity
    • The acronym SLUDD (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Digestion, Defecation) describes parasympathetic responses, which often have the opposite effect to sympathetic responses.

    Integration and Control of Autonomic Functions

    • Functions such as heart rate and blood pressure are regulated by autonomic reflexes
    • These reflexes follow a simple pathway called the reflex arc, which includes a receptor, sensory neuron, integrating center, motor neurons, and effector organs.
    • The hypothalamus plays a role in regulating the balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic tone

    The Stress Response

    • Various stressors activate the nervous system to generate a stress response. This involves increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rates.

    The Nervous System and Homeostasis

    • Explains how the nervous system helps maintain homeostasis in various body systems (Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphoid)
    • Provides communication and regulation of most body tissues together with hormones of the endocrine system
    • Nervous system involvement in respiration, digestion, urinary, genital/reproductive systems

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    Description

    This quiz covers the key functions and components of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), including its regulation of involuntary functions and the role of various receptors. Additionally, it contrasts the ANS with the somatic nervous system, providing insights into their differences. Test your understanding of the mechanisms and pathways involved in autonomic control.

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