Autonomic Neurotransmission Quiz

Function of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

• Regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and respiratory rate.
• Maintains homeostasis by responding to internal and external stimuli.

Divisions of the Nervous System Related to Efferent Pathways

• The nervous system consists of two main divisions for efferent pathways:
  • Somatic Nervous System (SNS) - controls voluntary movements via skeletal muscles.
  • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) - manages involuntary actions and includes sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Origins and Target Tissues of the ANS

• Originates from the spinal cord and brainstem, primarily from nuclei located in the hypothalamus and spinal segments (thoracic and lumbar for sympathetic; cranial and sacral for parasympathetic).
• Targets smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands, affecting functions such as heart contraction, digestion, and secretion of hormones.

Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in the Peripheral Nervous System

• Acts as a critical component of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) by coordinating the body's involuntary responses.
• Connects the central nervous system (CNS) to organs and systems through a network of neurons.

Functions Controlled by the Autonomic Nervous System

• Controls responses during stress situations via the sympathetic division (fight-or-flight response).
• Regulates resting bodily functions through the parasympathetic division (rest-and-digest response).
• Oversees functions such as pupil dilation, heart rate adjustment, gastrointestinal activity, and glandular secretions.

Test your knowledge of autonomic neurotransmission with this quiz based on the learning resources from Dr. Maria Buckley's Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics at UCC. Covering topics from Rang & Dales Pharmacology, including chemical mediators and the autonomic nervous system, cholinergic transmission, noradrenergic transmission, and important pharmacological agents.