Autonomic Nervous System Quiz

The sympathetic nervous system elicits a widespread response throughout the body, activating various organs in a coordinated manner, like a general alarm.

The parasympathetic nervous system often targets specific organs, triggering localized actions, impacting a smaller area.

A state of continuous, low-level activity of the sympathetic nervous system, influencing various bodily functions at baseline.

The heart rate is increased by the sympathetic nervous system, activating the heart to beat faster.

The parasympathetic nervous system slows down the heart rate, acting like a brake on the heart.

The parasympathetic nervous system promotes 'rest-and-digest' functions, like digestion and relaxation, aiding bodily processes.

Dual innervation by both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems allows for precise control over an organ's function, ensuring a nuanced response.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems often work in balance, reciprocal control – increased activity in one is usually accompanied by decreased activity in the other.

An autoimmune disease where antibodies attack acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness, fatigue, and potential respiratory problems.

A condition caused by interruption of the sympathetic nervous system's supply to the face, resulting in an array of symptoms affecting one side of the face.

A condition triggered by blood vessel spasms, leading to decreased blood flow to fingers and toes during cold exposure or stress.

A tumor in the adrenal medulla that causes excessive release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, leading to widespread sympathetic nervous system activation.

A medication used to treat Myasthenia Gravis by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, increasing its availability at the neuromuscular junction.

A group of disorders affecting the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure.

Extreme muscular weakness, often occurring after physical activity. This is a common symptom of Myasthenia Gravis.

Reduced sweating on one side of the face, commonly observed in Horner Syndrome.

The sympathetic nervous system's baseline activity that keeps most systemic arterioles slightly constricted, contributing to maintaining arterial blood pressure.

The adrenal medulla constantly secretes small amounts of adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) under the influence of sympathetic tone, helping to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

The parasympathetic nervous system's baseline activity that keeps the gastrointestinal tract slightly contracted, preventing distention and promoting a small amount of digestive juice secretion.

The vagus nerve (10th cranial nerve) continuously exerts a slight influence on the sino-atrial node (SAN) reducing its intrinsic heart rate from 100 beats per minute to approximately 70 beats per minute.

Dual innervation occurs when an organ receives input from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, allowing for fine control of its function.

Dual antagonistic effects occur when the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems have opposing effects on an organ. For example, sympathetic stimulation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic stimulation decreases it.

Organs with dual innervation can experience complementary effects, where both systems work together to stimulate the same function but with different mechanisms. For example, both systems stimulate saliva production but with different qualities.

Dual cooperative effects involve the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems working in sequence to achieve a complex function. For example, parasympathetic stimulation causes an erection, while sympathetic stimulation causes ejaculation.

A condition where the sympathetic nervous system is overstimulated, leading to various symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, and anxiety.

A condition characterized by paralysis of the intestines, preventing the passage of food and leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, distension, and constipation.

A group of chemicals that inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to a buildup of acetylcholine and excessive stimulation of both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.

An autoimmune disease causing weakness in skeletal muscles due to antibodies attacking acetylcholine receptors.

A condition affecting one side of the face due to damage to the sympathetic nervous system, causing symptoms like drooping eyelid, constricted pupil, and decreased sweating.

A collection of symptoms associated with organophosphate poisoning, characterized by diarrhea, urination, miosis, bradycardia, bronchospasm, muscle excitation, lacrimation, salivation, and sweating.

The use of a drug to block the effects of acetylcholine at the muscarinic receptors, often used to treat organophosphate poisoning.

The removal of a tumor, a common treatment for sympathetic overactivity caused by tumors.