Autonomic Nervous System Quiz

What is the main function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Which type of neuron arises from the central nervous system and terminates on autonomic ganglia?

How many big systems is the autonomic nervous system divided into?

From which spinal cord segments does the sympathetic nervous system arise?

Which of the following is a function of the sympathetic nervous system with respect to structures of the head and neck?

What are autonomic ganglia comprised of?

What is the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on coronary blood vessels?

Which cranial nerves are part of the parasympathetic nervous system?

What does the vagus nerve (X) do to the heart?

What effect does the sympathetic nervous system have on the skin blood vessels?

Which spinal cord segments are associated with the parasympathetic nervous system?

What is the function of the oculomotor nerve (III) in relation to the eye?

What is the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on insulin secretion from the pancreas?

What is the function of the glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) in relation to the salivary glands?

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The main function of the ANS is to regulate involuntary actions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

Neurons and Ganglia

Preganglionic neurons arise from the central nervous system and terminate on autonomic ganglia.
Autonomic ganglia are comprised of clusters of neurons that act as relay stations for the ANS.

Division of ANS

The ANS is divided into two major systems: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system arises from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord (T1-L2).
It stimulates the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body for physical activity.
In the head and neck, the sympathetic nervous system dilates pupils, increases sweat production, and constricts blood vessels.
It causes vasoconstriction of coronary blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the heart.
The sympathetic nervous system constricts skin blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The parasympathetic nervous system arises from the brainstem and sacral regions of the spinal cord (S2-S4).
The vagus nerve (X) is part of the parasympathetic nervous system and slows down heart rate.
The oculomotor nerve (III) is responsible for pupillary constriction and accommodation in the eye.
The glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) stimulates salivary glands to produce saliva.

Effects of Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system inhibits insulin secretion from the pancreas, reducing glucose uptake in cells.

Test your knowledge about the autonomic nervous system with this quiz covering the definition of ANS, its divisions, and the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Created by Prof. Dr. Nanees, Assistant Professor at Sinai University.