Nervous System Overview Quiz

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a control system that acts largely unconsciously and regulates bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal.

The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the ANS that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and dilating pupils.

The parasympathetic nervous system is a part of the ANS that promotes 'rest and digest' functions, slowing heart rate, decreasing blood pressure, and constricting pupils.

Dual innervation refers to the simultaneous innervation of a target organ by both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, allowing for fine-tuning of the organ's function.

The autonomic nervous system uses reflex loops to sense organ function and coordinate appropriate neural responses to maintain homeostasis.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is divided into the sensory (afferent) division and the motor (efferent) division.

The sensory or afferent division of the PNS transmits action potentials from the periphery to the central nervous system.

The motor or efferent division of the PNS transmits action potentials from the central nervous system to target tissues.

The division of the nervous system that controls skeletal muscle movement.

The division of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions like heart rate and digestion.

A neuron that directly connects the central nervous system to a skeletal muscle.

The first neuron in the autonomic nervous system, connecting the central nervous system to a ganglion.

The second neuron in the autonomic nervous system, extending from a ganglion to the target tissue.

A cluster of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system.

The sensation of internal organs, like pain or fullness.

Type of sympathetic nervous system pathway where the preganglionic neuron passes through the chain ganglion and then synapses in a collateral ganglion close to the target tissue. The nerve extending from the chain ganglion is referred to as the splanchnic nerve.

Nerve that extends from the chain ganglion in the collateral ganglion pathway, carrying signals to abdominal-pelvic organs.

Specialized cells in the adrenal medulla that act as postsynaptic neurons in the sympathetic nervous system, releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine into the blood.

The collection of ganglia located near the target organs in the parasympathetic nervous system where preganglionic axons synapse with postganglionic axons.

The cranial nerve that supplies parasympathetic innervation to the ciliary muscles of the eye and the sphincter pupillae.

The cranial nerve that supplies parasympathetic innervation to tear glands, salivary glands, and nasal glands.

The cranial nerve that supplies parasympathetic innervation to the parotid salivary gland.

Sensory receptors located in the walls of large arteries, particularly the carotid artery, that detect changes in blood pressure by sensing stretch.

The region in the brainstem responsible for integrating sensory information from baroreceptors and initiating autonomic reflexes to regulate blood pressure.

A cranial nerve that carries sensory information from baroreceptors to the medulla oblongata.

A cranial nerve that carries parasympathetic signals from the medulla oblongata to the heart, decreasing heart rate and blood pressure.

A neurotransmitter released by parasympathetic neurons, slowing down heart rate.

A neurotransmitter released by sympathetic neurons, increasing heart rate and force of contraction.

The two main classes of adrenergic receptors: alpha and beta.

Alpha 1 and Beta 1 receptors typically cause excitation, while Alpha 2 and Beta 2 receptors usually cause inhibition.

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

Receptors found on postganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, leading to an excitatory response.

Receptors found on target tissues in the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to either excitatory or inhibitory responses.

The neurotransmitter released by postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system is essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Autonomic reflexes are direct links between visceral sensory input and autonomic nervous system motor responses.

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for "rest and digest" functions, conserving energy and restoring the body to a relaxed state.

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses, increasing alertness, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Many tissues receive signals from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, often with opposing effects.

The sympathetic nervous system generally has a widespread effect on the body, often through the release of hormones from the adrenal glands.

The sympathetic nervous system can stimulate multiple organs to work together, creating a coordinated response.

The effects of the parasympathetic nervous system are usually more localized to the target organ, while the sympathetic system often has a broader effect.

The parasympathetic nervous system can stimulate the pancreas to release digestive enzymes and also contract the smooth muscle of the small intestine, facilitating digestion.

The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate, while the sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate.