Autonomic Nervous System Quiz

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

• The sympathetic nervous system dilates the pupil.
• The parasympathetic nervous system constricts the bronchial tubes.
• The sympathetic nervous system increases sweat gland secretion.
• The sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate.
• The parasympathetic nervous system increases lacrimation and salivation.
• The sympathetic nervous system increases ventricular contraction.
• The enteric nervous system (part of the autonomic nervous system) contracts GI sphincters.
• The sympathetic nervous system relaxes the bladder and contracts the sphincter.
• The parasympathetic nervous system has a continuous, basal rate of activity.
• The parasympathetic nervous system is dominant at rest.
• The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.
• The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response.

Neurotransmitters and Receptors

• The primary neurotransmitter released by parasympathetic preganglionic neurons is acetylcholine (ACh).
• The primary neurotransmitter released by sympathetic postganglionic neurons is norepinephrine (NE).
• The sympathetic nervous system is functionally related to the adrenal medulla.
• Acetylcholine (ACh) activates muscarinic receptors on parasympathetic postganglionic neurons.

Anatomy and Function

• The autonomic nervous system primarily acts at the level of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.
• The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating involuntary functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration.
• Chapter 9 of Guyton and Hall's textbook provides more information on autonomic nervous system physiology.

Key Concepts and Terms

• The term "dual innervation" refers to the concept of both sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of an organ.
• The enteric nervous system is responsible for gastrointestinal function.
• The autonomic nervous system is capable of regulating the entire body.
• The sympathetic nervous system is a "fight or flight" system, while the parasympathetic nervous system is a "rest and digest" system.
• The autonomic nervous system has a critical role in regulating the gastrointestinal (GI) system.
• Acetylcholine (ACh) is the primary neurotransmitter released by preganglionic neurons of the autonomic nervous system.
• The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS have opposing effects on most organs.
• Acetylcholine (ACh) is the primary neurotransmitter released by postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system.
• The prevertebral ganglia in the sympathetic nervous system function to integrate and relay sympathetic signals.
• The neurotransmitter synthesis in the autonomic nervous system involves the production of acetylcholine (ACh) and norepinephrine (NE).