Autonomic Nervous System Quiz

A branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'fight or flight' responses, preparing the body for action and stress.

A type of neuron whose cell body is located in the CNS and whose axon extends to the periphery.

A type of neuron whose cell body is located in an autonomic ganglion and whose axon extends to a target organ.

Specialized structures in the peripheral nervous system that contain cell bodies of postganglionic neurons.

A series of interconnected ganglia located along the vertebral column, playing a crucial role in the sympathetic nervous system.

The neurotransmitter released by preganglionic neurons of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

The neurotransmitter primarily released by postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system.

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external fluctuations. The autonomic nervous system contributes to this.

Collections of nerve cell bodies (ganglia) located in front of the vertebral column, near the abdominal aorta. They are interconnected by nerve fibers forming plexuses.

These fibers originate from neurons in the spinal cord segments T1 to L2.

The sympathetic nervous system leaves the spinal cord along with the somatic fibers of spinal nerves, exiting from the thoracic and lumbar segments.

In the sympathetic trunk, 'white rami communicants' are found only in association with the spinal nerves T1 to L2. Their absence from other levels indicates that fibers from those levels don't directly contribute to the sympathetic trunk.

Gray rami communicants are associated with all spinal nerves, carrying post-ganglionic fibers to the spinal nerves for distribution to various tissues.

The fibers from T1 to T5 travel mainly upwards, while those from T5 to L2 travel mainly downwards in the sympathetic trunk.

This is the final, unpaired ganglion in the two pelvic sympathetic trunks, located near the coccyx (tailbone). It marks the end of the trunk.

A sympathetic ganglion located in the cervical region, close to the first and second cervical vertebrae. It innervates the head and neck.

Located at the C6 level, this ganglion has a vital role in innervating the larynx, trachea, pharynx, and upper esophagus.

Preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic nervous system that leave the spinal cord and form several splanchnic nerves, eventually synapsing in collateral ganglia located anterior to the vertebral column.

Also known as the stellate ganglion, it's found at the C7-T1 level and innervates the heart, lungs, and upper limbs.

Paired clusters of nerve cell bodies located along the vertebral column, serving as relay points for sympathetic nerve signals.

The pathway leading from the spinal cord to the sympathetic trunk. It contains white rami communicantes.

Unmyelinated nerve fibers that carry postganglionic nerve impulses from sympathetic trunk ganglia to the spinal nerves, connecting the sympathetic system to target organs.

Myelinated nerve fibers carrying preganglionic nerve impulses from the spinal cord to sympathetic trunk ganglia.

A small autonomic ganglion located near the internal carotid artery. It receives signals from the superior cervical ganglion and is involved in controlling pupillary dilation and lens accommodation.

This type of nerve transmission occurs when a preganglionic neuron from the T1-L2 spinal cord segments synapses directly in a ganglion located at the same level, and postganglionic fibers then leave via a gray ramus communicant to reach target tissues like smooth muscles, blood vessels, and glands.

A branch of the superior cervical ganglion, it delivers signals to the lacrimal gland, regulating tear production.

The point at which the preganglionic neuron from the spinal cord synapses with the postganglionic neuron in a sympathetic ganglion.

This type of nerve transmission involves preganglionic neurons from the T1-L2 spinal cord segments traveling upwards or downwards to synapse in a ganglion at a different level, and postganglionic fibers then leave via a gray ramus comunicant to reach target tissues.

These smooth muscle fibers control the contraction and relaxation of hair erector muscles attached to hair follicles.

These nerve fibers regulate the diameter of blood vessels, primarily causing vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels).

A cluster of cell bodies found at the C7 level, formed by the gray rami of C7, C8, and T1 spinal nerves.

The sympathetic pathway that primarily controls the heart's rhythm (heart rate) and force of contraction.

The sympathetic branch that influences the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, primarily resulting in decreased peristaltic movements (muscle contractions that propel food along).

The sympathetic network targeting the lungs, influencing bronchodilation, vasoconstriction of bronchial arteries, and decreased secretion of fluids.

This group of sympathetic fibers (T5-T9) originates from the spinal cord and connects to the celiac ganglion, a key nerve center for controlling various abdominal organs like the stomach, liver, and pancreas.

These sympathetic fibers from the thoracic and lumbar segments of the spinal cord influence a wide range of organs and functions, contributing to the 'fight or flight' response.

These sympathetic fibers from T2-T5 join the cardiac plexus and ultimately influence myocardial contractility (strength of contraction), heart rate, and blood pressure.

The sympathetic nervous system's effect on the stomach and upper part of the duodenum involves inhibiting peristalsis, decreasing blood supply, reducing absorption and secretion, and contracting the pyloric sphincter.

The liver responds to sympathetic stimulation by increasing glycogenolysis (breaking down glycogen into glucose) and decreasing biliary flow.

Sympathetic stimulation of the pancreas leads to decreased insulin production and increased glucagon production.

Sympathetic innervation of the adrenal gland (intramural ganglia) involves the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine directly into the bloodstream by the adrenal medulla.

The lesser splanchnic nerve (T10-T11) connects to the superior mesenteric ganglion and innervates the intestines (ascending colon, cecum, proximal 2/3 of transverse colon, small intestine, distal duodenum, jejunum, ileum), inhibiting GI activity by decreasing secretion, absorption, and peristalsis.

The least splanchnic nerve (T12) leads to the aorticorenal ganglion and influences the kidneys (vasoconstriction, decreasing urine production), bladder, and uterus.

The lumbar splanchnic nerves (L1, L2, L3) connect to the inferior mesenteric ganglion and innervate the distal 1/3 of the transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and upper rectum. These nerves also inhibit peristalsis in these areas.

The superior hypogastric ganglion, supplied by spinal nerves L1-L4, controls internal urethral sphincter, detrusor muscle, and the intermesenteric plexus, affecting gonads (ejaculation/uterine contraction).

The sacral splanchnic nerves (S1-S2) reach the inferior hypogastric plexus and innervate various structures including the urinary bladder, prostate gland, uterus/vagina, rectum/anal canal, and pelvic organs through the intermesenteric plexus.

Visceral sensory neurons relay information from internal organs about chemical changes, stretching, temperature, and irritation.