Autonomic Nervous System Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following neurotransmitters is NOT mentioned as being used within the enteric nervous system (ENS)?

  • Serotonin
  • Acetylcholine
  • Glutamate
  • Dopamine (correct)

    • What is the primary function of the sensory neurons located within the myenteric plexus?

  • Detecting the degree of stretch in smooth muscles (correct)
  • Regulating the secretion of mucus into the gut lumen
  • Co-ordinating peristaltic movement of the gut
  • Monitoring the chemical composition of gut lumen

    • Which of the following describes the role of interneurons in the enteric nervous system?

  • Relay signals between sensory neurons and motor neurons (correct)
  • Directly control the contraction of smooth muscle in the gut wall
  • Receive input from the brain and spinal cord to regulate gut function
  • Promote the release of mucus into the gut lumen

    • Which of these is NOT a characteristic of the enteric nervous system (ENS)?

    <p>The ENS is entirely reliant on the central nervous system for its function (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the secretomotor neurons in the submucosal plexus?

    <p>To facilitate the release of mucus into the gut lumen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between the myenteric and submucosal plexi?

    <p>Both plexi are interconnected and work together to control gut function (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the enteric nervous system (ENS) receive input from the central nervous system?

    <p>Through the action of neurotransmitters released by parasympathetic and sympathetic neurons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of the enteric nervous system (ENS)?

    <p>Controlling the rate of heart beat (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is TRUE about the enteric nervous system (ENS)?

    <p>The ENS is a complex network of neurons that functions largely independently of the brain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following BEST describes the role of excitatory and inhibitory visceromotor neurons in the ENS?

    <p>Both types of neurons work together to control the timing and intensity of muscle contractions and secretions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements correctly describes the role of acetylcholine (ACh) in the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>ACh is released by preganglionic sympathetic neurons and acts on nicotinic receptors on postganglionic neurons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of sympathetic nervous system activation on the cardiovascular system?

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

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the location of preganglionic parasympathetic neurons?

    <p>They are located in the visceral efferent motor nuclei of cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X, and in the lateral grey matter of the sacral spinal cord (S2-S4). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of adrenergic receptor is primarily responsible for the relaxation of smooth muscle in blood vessels, gut, uterus, and bronchi?

    <p>β2 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main neurotransmitter released by postganglionic parasympathetic neurons?

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

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the enteric nervous system (ENS)?

    <p>It is a two-neuron relay system, like the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these statements correctly describes the action of muscarinic M2 receptors?

    <p>They reduce heart rate and increase smooth muscle contraction in the cardiovascular system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of parasympathetic activation on the digestive system?

    <p>Reduction in blood flow to the digestive organs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic shared by both preganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons?

    <p>They release acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a true statement about the effects of the sympathetic nervous system on the body?

    <p>The sympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation of the urinary bladder. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of neurons directly innervates the visceral sensory division of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST)?

    <p>Visceral sensory neurons of the petrosal ganglion (A), Visceral sensory neurons of the nodose ganglion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do visceral sensory neurons play in the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

    <p>They provide sensory feedback to regulate ANS activity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure is primarily involved in integrating visceral sensory information in the brainstem?

    <p>Nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary type of information sent to the nucleus of the solitary tract from viscera?

    <p>Visceral sensory feedback (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cranial nerves are associated with visceral sensory neurons innervating the nucleus of the solitary tract?

    <p>Cranial nerve IX and X (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where do the afferent sensory neurons of the cranial nerves IX and X project to?

    <p>Nucleus of the solitary tract (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of the autonomic nervous system's visceral sensory neurons?

    <p>Coordinating cognitive functions in the prefrontal cortex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the contribution of visceral sensory inputs to the overall function of the autonomic nervous system?

    <p>They facilitate reflexes and broad ANS activity changes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which brain regions are involved in integrating visceral sensory information with other sensory modalities?

    <p>Medial prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which components primarily coordinate widespread changes in ANS activity?

    <p>Autonomic regulation centers in the brainstem (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a parameter regulated by homeostasis?

    <p>Muscle tone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an accurate description of the relationship between the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system?

    <p>The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for 'fight or flight' responses, while the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for 'rest and digest' responses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It is directly controlled by conscious thought. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the enteric nervous system?

    <p>To control the digestive system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following divisions of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for preparing the body for active or stressful situations?

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

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the concept of homeostasis?

    <p>The process of maintaining a constant internal environment despite changes in external conditions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the relationship between the nervous system and homeostasis?

    <p>The autonomic nervous system plays a key role in regulating homeostasis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT an example of a homeostatic mechanism?

    <p>Increasing heart rate during exercise (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately reflects the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system?

    <p>The autonomic nervous system is a subdivision of the peripheral nervous system and is regulated by the central nervous system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a CORRECT description of the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>To prepare the body for action or stress. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

    • The ANS is a part of the peripheral nervous system
    • It regulates homeostasis, maintaining equilibrium in the body despite external changes
    • Examples of controlled parameters: body temperature, blood pressure, hydration levels, acid-base balance
    • The ANS operates involuntarily, without conscious control

    Organization of The Nervous System

    • The nervous system is divided into central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) divisions:
      • CNS includes the brain and spinal cord
      • PNS includes the peripheral nervous system, and further divided into sensory nervous system and autonomic (ANS)
      • The ANS is divided into three branches: sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric

    Divisions of the ANS

    • 1. Sympathetic:

      • "Fight or flight" response, prepares the body for stressful situations or activity
      • Increased heart rate, pupils dilation, bronchioles dilation, redirected blood flow away from non-essential organs towards muscles
      • Key neurotransmitters: acetylcholine (preganglionic), norepinephrine (postganglionic)

    • 2. Parasympathetic:

      • "Rest and digest" response, prepares body for maintenance and conserving energy
      • Decreased heart rate, pupils constriction, bronchioles constrict, redirect blood flow to internal organs, promotes digestion
      • Key neurotransmitter: acetylcholine

    • 3. Enteric:

      • Embedded in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract
      • Regulates gut motility and secretion of mucous and digestive enzymes

    Autonomic Neurotransmitters

    • Sympathetic:
      • Preganglionic neurons: Acetylcholine
      • Postganglionic neurons: Primarily norepinephrine (in most cases), and sometimes acetylcholine
    • Parasympathetic:
      • Preganglionic and postganglionic neurons: Acetylcholine
    • Both branches: neuropeptides and nitric oxide as neuromodulators (altering the effects of ACh or NA on target organs)

    ANS Receptor Types

    • Adrenergic receptors: G protein-coupled receptors, mediate the effects of adrenaline/noradrenaline, influencing various physiological functions

    • Different types of adrenergic receptors affect the actions of adrenaline or norepinephrine on target organs

    • Cholinergic receptors (nicotinic and muscarinic): G protein–coupled receptors that are stimulated by acetylcholine

    Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

    • Embedded in the gastrointestinal tract
    • Consists of two main plexuses:
      • Myenteric (Auerbach's) Plexus
      • Submucosal (Meissner's) Plexus
    • Contains sensory neurons, interneurons, and autonomic motor neurons that regulate gut motility, secretion, and other functions

    Regulation of ANS Activity

    • Sensory feedback from target organs plays a critical role in regulating ANS activity

    • Visceral sensory neurons use various pathways including through the DRG (dorsal root ganglion), Petrosal and nodose ganglia that innervate the CNS, allowing for communication with the brain

    • Most visceral sensory information: sent to the nucleus of the solitary tract within the brainstem for processing.

    • Visceral sensory inputs contributes to both local autonomic reflexes and widespread changes in ANS activity. A reflex is a response to a stimulus, which involves the nervous system in one form or another.

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    Description

    Explore the essential functions and organization of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Understand how the ANS maintains homeostasis and its subdivisions, including sympathetic and parasympathetic responses. This quiz covers key parameters controlled by the ANS and its role within the nervous system.

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