Autonomic Nervous System Quiz
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Questions and Answers

During which activity is there an increase in output of the parasympathetic division?

  • Adrenaline rush
  • Sedentary activity (correct)
  • Intense physical exercise
  • Extreme stress

Which function is primarily associated with the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

  • Enhancement of digestion (correct)
  • Dilating pupils
  • Increased heart rate
  • Stimulating glucose release

How does the enteric nervous system primarily interact with other divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

  • It can function independently but is usually regulated by both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems (correct)
  • It operates independently at all times
  • It is solely controlled by the sympathetic division
  • It has no relation to the autonomic nervous system

What is a primary role of the sympathetic nervous system compared to the parasympathetic division?

<p>Prepares the body for intense activity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a condition under which the parasympathetic division increases its output?

<p>High-stress scenarios (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

<p>Maintaining homeostatic conditions within the body (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily activated during stress?

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

Which of the following responses is most likely to occur as a result of increased sympathetic activity?

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

Which of the following is NOT an involuntary organ regulated by the autonomic nervous system?

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

How does the autonomic nervous system assist the endocrine system?

<p>By regulating reproduction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the effects of the parasympathetic division?

<p>Rest and digest response (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main pathways controlled by the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS?

<p>Target organs other than skeletal muscle (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'autonomic' in the context of the autonomic nervous system?

<p>Self-regulating functions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the parasympathetic division in the autonomic nervous system?

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

Which autonomic response occurs in the skin during an increase in sympathetic output?

<p>Erection of hair (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which of the following activities does the output of the parasympathetic division increase?

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

What effect does the parasympathetic division have on the lungs?

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

Which of the following accurately describes the role of the sympathetic division concerning the heart?

<p>Increases heart rate and strength of contraction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the parasympathetic division affect urinary bladder function?

<p>Contracts the bladder and relaxes sphincter to increase urination (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on salivary gland secretion?

<p>Reduces secretion of saliva (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What autonomic effect occurs in the male reproductive organ due to sympathetic stimulation?

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

What effect does adrenaline have on blood vessels in the skin?

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

Which receptor type is responsible for the contraction of smooth muscle in blood vessels when stimulated by adrenaline?

<p>Alpha1 (α1) adrenergic receptors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of adrenergic receptor promotes relaxation of smooth muscle in blood vessels?

<p>Beta2 (β2) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the primary site of heart rate control located?

<p>Sino-atrial node (SA node) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does sympathetic stimulation have on smooth muscle density?

<p>It increases α-adrenergic receptor density (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of heart rate, how do sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation generally compare?

<p>They have opposite effects (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which receptor primarily causes cardiac muscle contraction?

<p>Beta1 (β1) adrenergic receptors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which adrenergic receptors are involved in inhibiting norepinephrine release?

<p>Alpha2 (α2) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of β-adrenergic receptors in the body?

<p>They promote vasodilation and relaxation of smooth muscles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organs does adrenaline stimulate vasodilation through β-adrenergic receptors?

<p>Cardiac muscle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary neurotransmitter released by postganglionic fibers of the sudomotor system?

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

Which adrenergic receptor subtype is responsible for relaxation of smooth muscle in blood vessels?

<p>Beta2 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are the preganglionic cell bodies of the sympathetic nervous system located?

<p>In the thoracic and upper lumbar segments of the spinal cord (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of postganglionic fibers in the sympathetic nervous system?

<p>They can release neurotransmitter from varicosities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure does the sympathetic trunk consist of?

<p>Two chains of ganglia close to the spinal cord (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron conveys information from the tissues to the central nervous system (CNS)?

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

What role do varicosities play in the sympathetic nervous system?

<p>They release neurotransmitters in a coordinated manner (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary neurotransmitter released by motor neurons in the somatic nervous system?

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

During which type of event does the sympathetic division increase its output?

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

Which type of adrenergic receptor inhibits norepinephrine release?

<p>Alpha2 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The connection formed between the preganglionic and postganglionic neurons is known as what?

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

What is the typical ratio of preganglionic to postganglionic neurons linked in the sympathetic nervous system?

<p>1:10 to 1:100 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of receptor is primarily associated with acetylcholine in the autonomic nervous system?

<p>Both nicotinic and muscarinic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the physiological outcome of the 'fight or flight response'?

<p>Mass activation of multiple sympathetic targets (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of synaptic cleft molecule is responsible for signal transmission across the synapse?

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

Which neurotransmitter is released at the postganglionic-effector cell junction in the parasympathetic nervous system?

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

What does convergence in the sympathetic nervous system refer to?

<p>Multiple preganglionic axons synapsing onto a single postganglionic neuron (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nicotinic receptor is specifically related to the neuromuscular junction?

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

What characterizes divergence in the sympathetic nervous system?

<p>Numerical amplification of signals to multiple targets (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ganglia are located in the abdominal cavity for sympathetic innervation?

<p>Celiac, superior mesenteric, inferior mesenteric (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component is involved in cellular signaling through a second messenger system?

<p>Metabotropic receptor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons connect other neurons within the central nervous system?

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

Which type of muscarinic receptor is involved in inhibiting heart rate?

<p>M2 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of activated nicotinic receptors in the autonomic nervous system?

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

Which pathway in the somatic nervous system is responsible for transmitting sensory information?

<p>Afferent pathway (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines ionotropic receptors?

<p>Directly controls ion channels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of G proteins in metabotropic receptor signaling?

<p>Triggers intracellular responses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The parasympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for "rest and digest" functions. It slows down the heart rate, promotes digestion, and conserves energy.

Parasympathetic Activity

Increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system occurs during activities like eating, resting, and eliminating waste.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The autonomic nervous system is a control system that operates independently of conscious thought. It regulates vital functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion.

Enteric Nervous System

The enteric nervous system is a network of neurons in the digestive tract that can function independently but is usually controlled by the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

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Enteric Nervous System Functions

The enteric nervous system regulates digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste products.

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ANS Functions

The ANS maintains internal balance (homeostasis), prepares the body for action (stress response), and helps regulate reproduction.

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Sympathetic Division

The part of the ANS responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response, preparing the body for action and stress.

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Parasympathetic Division

The part of the ANS that promotes rest and relaxation, conserving energy and slowing down bodily functions.

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ANS Control

The sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions control involuntary organs like the heart, blood vessels, glands, and internal organs.

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ANS Activation: Stress

The sympathetic division is activated during stress, anxiety, physical activity, fear, excitement, and when the body needs energy resources.

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ANS Activation: Relaxation

The parasympathetic division is activated during rest, digestion, and sleep, promoting relaxation and energy conservation.

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Pupil Constriction

The narrowing of the pupil of the eye, controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces the amount of light entering the eye.

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Lacrimal Gland Stimulation

The parasympathetic nervous system stimulates the lacrimal gland, increasing tear production.

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Salivary Gland Stimulation

The parasympathetic nervous system increases saliva production, particularly watery saliva.

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Heart Rate Reduction

The parasympathetic nervous system slows down the heart rate.

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Stomach Digestion Stimulation

The parasympathetic nervous system stimulates digestive processes in the stomach.

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Bladder Contraction

The parasympathetic nervous system stimulates the contraction of the bladder, promoting urination.

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Penile Erection

The parasympathetic nervous system promotes penile erection through nitric oxide release.

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α-Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors that are activated by adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to vasoconstriction in blood vessels of skin and kidneys.

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β-Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors that are activated by adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to vasodilation in blood vessels of cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle.

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Sympathetic Stimulation and Smooth Muscle Contraction

When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, high density of α-adrenergic receptors on smooth muscle leads to their contraction.

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Sympathetic Stimulation and Smooth Muscle Relaxation

When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, high density of β-adrenergic receptors on smooth muscle leads to their relaxation.

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α1-Adrenergic Receptor

A type of α-adrenergic receptor responsible for contracting smooth muscle in blood vessels.

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α2-Adrenergic Receptor

A type of α-adrenergic receptor located in preganglionic nerve endings, inhibiting the release of noradrenaline.

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β1-Adrenergic Receptor

A type of β -adrenergic receptor that stimulates contraction of cardiac muscle.

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β2-Adrenergic Receptor

A type of β-adrenergic receptor that relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels.

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Autonomic Nervous System Control of Heart Rate: Sympathetic Stimulation

Increases heart rate by stimulating α and β adrenergic receptors, leading to stronger and faster heart contractions.

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Autonomic Nervous System Control of Heart Rate: Parasympathetic Stimulation

Decreases heart rate by releasing acetylcholine, which binds to muscarinic receptors in the heart, slowing contractions.

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Neuron

A nerve cell responsible for transmitting electrical signals throughout the body.

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Afferent Neuron

A neuron that transmits information from tissues/organs to the central nervous system (CNS).

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Efferent Neuron

A neuron that transmits information from the CNS to tissues/organs.

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Interneuron

A neuron that connects other neurons within the CNS.

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Somatic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

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Efferent Pathway in Somatic Nervous System

A direct pathway from the CNS to skeletal muscle cells, controlled by motor neurons.

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Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter released by nerve endings in the somatic nervous system, responsible for stimulating muscle contraction.

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Nicotinic Receptor

A type of receptor found on muscle cells that binds to acetylcholine, triggering muscle contraction.

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Preganglionic Neuron

The first neuron in the autonomic nervous system pathway, originating in the CNS and connecting to a ganglion.

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Postganglionic Neuron

The second neuron in the autonomic nervous system pathway, connecting the ganglion to the effector cell (e.g., muscle, gland).

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Synapse

A specialized junction between two neurons where communication occurs through chemical messengers.

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Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger released at a synapse that transmits signals between neurons.

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Muscarinic Receptor

A type of receptor found on effector cells in the parasympathetic nervous system, binding to acetylcholine.

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Metabotropic Receptor

A receptor that triggers a chain reaction within a cell, using second messenger systems, rather than directly controlling ion channels.

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Sudomotor System

A branch of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that controls sweat gland activity, using acetylcholine (ACh) as its neurotransmitter. It promotes cooling by stimulating sweat production.

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Acetylcholine (ACh) in Sudomotor System

A neurotransmitter released by postganglionic neurons in the sudomotor system, stimulating sweat gland activity.

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Nitric Oxide (NO) in Sweat

A component of sweat that triggers vasodilation in the local skin.

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Muscarinic Receptors in Sweat Glands

The type of receptor on sweat glands that bind ACh released by postganglionic sympathetic fibers.

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Alpha-1 Adrenergic Receptor

A subtype of adrenergic receptor found on smooth muscle in blood vessels. Activation causes vasoconstriction.

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Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptor

A subtype of adrenergic receptor found on preganglionic nerve endings. Activation inhibits the release of norepinephrine (NE).

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Beta-1 Adrenergic Receptor

A subtype of adrenergic receptor found on cardiac muscle. Activation increases heart rate and contractility.

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Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor

A subtype of adrenergic receptor found on smooth muscle in blood vessels. Activation causes vasodilation.

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Sympathetic Trunk

Two chains of paravertebral sympathetic ganglia located alongside the vertebral column, extending above and below the thoracic and lumbar spinal regions.

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Prevertebral Ganglia

Sympathetic ganglia located in the abdominal cavity, closer to the innervated organs. Examples include the celiac, superior mesenteric, and inferior mesenteric ganglia.

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Varicosities

Specialised regions along postganglionic sympathetic axons where neurotransmitters are released.

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Convergence in Sympathetic System

Multiple preganglionic neurons (4-15) synapse on a single postganglionic neuron. This requires summation of signals for activation, providing fine control.

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Divergence in Sympathetic System

A few preganglionic neurons synapse with many postganglionic neurons. This amplifies the signal, allowing for massive activation of sympathetic targets under stress.

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Sympathetic Nervous System: Fight or Flight

This division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, triggered by stress, anxiety, physical exertion, or danger. It prepares the body for action.

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Study Notes

Course Details

  • Course: MD137 Principles of Physiology
  • Year: 2024-25
  • Lecturer: Professor AM Wheatley
  • Email: [email protected]

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

  • The ANS controls involuntary functions, like sweating on a beach or the racing heart during a horror movie
  • It acts without conscious thought, regulating the body's response to physical and emotional surroundings
  • ANS functions:
    • Maintains homeostasis (stable internal conditions)
    • Coordinates responses to stress and exercise
    • Supports endocrine system in regulating reproduction
  • Involuntary organs regulated by the ANS:
    • Heart
    • Blood vessels
    • Exocrine glands
    • Visceral organs

Divisions of the ANS

  • Sympathetic division:
    • Activates during stress, anxiety, physical activity, fear, excitement, and metabolic resource use
    • "Fight or flight" response
  • Parasympathetic division:
    • Active during sedentary activity, eating, and restoration of the body's reserves, and eliminating waste products
    • "Rest and digest" response
  • Enteric division:
    • Controls the GI tract

Nervous System Components

  • Central nervous system (CNS) includes:
    • Brain
    • Spinal cord
  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes:
    • Somatic nervous system (controls skeletal muscle)
    • Autonomic nervous system (controls involuntary functions)

Neurons

  • Neurons are nerve cells that transmit electrical signals
  • Types of neurons:
    • Afferent neurons: carry sensory information from tissues/organs to the CNS
    • Efferent neurons: carry motor information from the CNS to tissues/organs
    • Interneurons: connect neurons within the CNS regions

Neurotransmitters in the ANS

  • Acetylcholine (ACh):
    • Preganglionic-postganglionic synapses in both parasympathetic and sympathetic systems use ACh
    • Postganglionic-effector synapses in parasympathetic division use ACh
    • Muscle type receptors are nicotinic
    • A variation of receptors are muscarinic, which cause smooth muscle contractions, slower but longer lasting
  • Norepinephrine (NE):
    • In sympathetic postganglionic-effector synapses
      • Binds to adrenergic receptors, which have varying affects in target organs
      • One set never develops into a neuron, but into the adrenal medulla, which secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream
  • There are multiple adrenergic receptors:
    • Alpha-adrenergic (α) receptors: primarily cause vasoconstriction.
      • Two subtype a1 and 2
    • Beta-adrenergic (β) receptors: primarily cause vasodilation and other effects
      • Two subtype B1 and B2
  • The autonomic signalling pathway is through either one or two neurons.

Control of Heart Rate

  • The heart rate is controlled (in part) by both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
  • The SA node (sinoatrial node, in the atria) is the primary heart rate pacemaker
  • Parasympathetic stimulation slows heart rate
  • Sympathetic stimulation increases heart rate

Other Organ Control

  • Specific examples: eye dilation and constriction, salivation, gastrointestinal function, liver glucose production, urinary bladder functions, male and female reproductive organs, and more.

Organization of the Sympathetic Division

  • The sympathetic division is more complex.
  • Preganglionic neurons are located in the thoracic and upper lumbar spinal cord.
  • Axons of preganglionic neurons synapse with ganglia close to the spinal cord (paravertebral).
  • Some preganglionic axons pass through without synapsing (splanchnic nerves) onto prevertebral ganglia (celiac, superior mesenteric, inferior mesenteric)
  • Some other axons extend greater distances before synapsing

Convergence and Divergence

  • Convergence: Many preganglionic neurons synapse with a single postganglionic neuron; important for fine control of peripheral effectors.
  • Divergence: One preganglionic neuron synapses with many postganglionic neurons; critical for widespread sympathetic activation (e.g., "fight or flight").

ANS and Voluntary Control

  • Some ANS functions are subject to voluntary influence (e.g., some aspects of bladder control).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the functions and activities of the autonomic nervous system, focusing on the roles of both the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions. This quiz includes questions about the enteric nervous system and conditions affecting the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses.

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