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Questions and Answers
Which cranial nerve is responsible for controlling pupillary constriction?
Which cranial nerve is responsible for controlling pupillary constriction?
What is the primary function of the ciliary muscle?
What is the primary function of the ciliary muscle?
Which branch of the Facial Nerve is responsible for salivary secretion?
Which branch of the Facial Nerve is responsible for salivary secretion?
Which nucleus in the pons is associated with the Greater Superficial Petrosal Nerve?
Which nucleus in the pons is associated with the Greater Superficial Petrosal Nerve?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
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What ganglion is associated with the Glossopharyngeal Nerve?
What ganglion is associated with the Glossopharyngeal Nerve?
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Where is the pelvic component of the parasympathetic nervous system primarily located?
Where is the pelvic component of the parasympathetic nervous system primarily located?
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Which of the following glands is innervated by the Facial Nerve?
Which of the following glands is innervated by the Facial Nerve?
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What is the primary effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the pupils during near vision tasks, such as reading?
What is the primary effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the pupils during near vision tasks, such as reading?
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What is one of the functions of the parasympathetic nervous system related to the gastrointestinal tract?
What is one of the functions of the parasympathetic nervous system related to the gastrointestinal tract?
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What effect does parasympathetic stimulation have on the heart?
What effect does parasympathetic stimulation have on the heart?
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Which of the following correctly describes a unique function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Which of the following correctly describes a unique function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
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How does parasympathetic stimulation affect bronchial muscles?
How does parasympathetic stimulation affect bronchial muscles?
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Which nerve is named the nervous erigenus and is related to sexual functions?
Which nerve is named the nervous erigenus and is related to sexual functions?
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What is an indirect effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the coronary vessels?
What is an indirect effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the coronary vessels?
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Which of the following organs is solely supplied by the sympathetic nervous system?
Which of the following organs is solely supplied by the sympathetic nervous system?
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Which of the following is true regarding mucous secretion in the bronchial mucus glands due to parasympathetic stimulation?
Which of the following is true regarding mucous secretion in the bronchial mucus glands due to parasympathetic stimulation?
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What occurs when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated in relation to the internal anal and urethral sphincters?
What occurs when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated in relation to the internal anal and urethral sphincters?
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Which property of the heart is NOT affected by parasympathetic stimulation?
Which property of the heart is NOT affected by parasympathetic stimulation?
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What is the primary cause of vasoconstriction in coronary vessels as indirect effect of parasympathetic stimulation?
What is the primary cause of vasoconstriction in coronary vessels as indirect effect of parasympathetic stimulation?
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How does the sympathetic nervous system generally affect heart rate compared to the parasympathetic nervous system?
How does the sympathetic nervous system generally affect heart rate compared to the parasympathetic nervous system?
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Which of the following glands is stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system?
Which of the following glands is stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system?
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Which statement is true regarding the supply of most organs by the autonomic nervous system?
Which statement is true regarding the supply of most organs by the autonomic nervous system?
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What is the primary role of the occulomotor nerve in the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
What is the primary role of the occulomotor nerve in the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
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Which components are associated with the facial nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system?
Which components are associated with the facial nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system?
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What is the origin of the greater superficial petrosal nerve in the brain?
What is the origin of the greater superficial petrosal nerve in the brain?
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Which statement accurately describes the composition of the salivary secretion from the submandibular gland?
Which statement accurately describes the composition of the salivary secretion from the submandibular gland?
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What type of fibers primarily supply the terminal ganglion associated with the pelvic component of the parasympathetic nervous system?
What type of fibers primarily supply the terminal ganglion associated with the pelvic component of the parasympathetic nervous system?
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Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for mucous secretion in the nasal and pharyngeal regions?
Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for mucous secretion in the nasal and pharyngeal regions?
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Which nucleus is associated with the parasympathetic functions of the vagus nerve?
Which nucleus is associated with the parasympathetic functions of the vagus nerve?
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What physiological effect does parasympathetic stimulation have on the ciliary muscle?
What physiological effect does parasympathetic stimulation have on the ciliary muscle?
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What is the primary role of parasympathetic stimulation during near vision tasks?
What is the primary role of parasympathetic stimulation during near vision tasks?
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What effect does parasympathetic stimulation have on the heart?
What effect does parasympathetic stimulation have on the heart?
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What is the indirect effect of parasympathetic stimulation on coronary vessels?
What is the indirect effect of parasympathetic stimulation on coronary vessels?
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How does the parasympathetic nervous system affect bronchial mucus glands?
How does the parasympathetic nervous system affect bronchial mucus glands?
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During which type of vision is parasympathetic stimulation particularly important?
During which type of vision is parasympathetic stimulation particularly important?
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Which of the following best describes the vagus nerve's supply to the heart?
Which of the following best describes the vagus nerve's supply to the heart?
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What is the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on bronchial muscle tone?
What is the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on bronchial muscle tone?
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What effect does the parasympathetic nervous system have on sphincter muscles?
What effect does the parasympathetic nervous system have on sphincter muscles?
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Which statement accurately describes a unique function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Which statement accurately describes a unique function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
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What is the role of the pelvic nerve in relation to the parasympathetic nervous system?
What is the role of the pelvic nerve in relation to the parasympathetic nervous system?
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Which organs are solely supplied by the parasympathetic nervous system?
Which organs are solely supplied by the parasympathetic nervous system?
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How does the parasympathetic nervous system affect bile flow in the digestive process?
How does the parasympathetic nervous system affect bile flow in the digestive process?
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What is the impact of parasympathetic stimulation on the micturition process?
What is the impact of parasympathetic stimulation on the micturition process?
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Which of the following describes a contrast between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
Which of the following describes a contrast between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
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What is the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and its dual supply to most organs?
What is the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and its dual supply to most organs?
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Study Notes
Parasympathetic Nervous System Functions
- The parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is one of the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating bodily functions that conserve energy and promote digestion.
- It is composed of nerves originating from the brain stem and the sacral region of the spinal cord.
- These nerves travel to various organs and tissues throughout the body, influencing several key functions.
Parasympathetic Nerve Pathways
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Oculomotor nerve (III):
- Edinger-Westphal nucleus in the midbrain.
- Relays to the ciliary ganglion.
- Controls pupillary constriction (miosis) via the constrictor pupillae muscle and accommodation to near vision by controlling the ciliary muscle.
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Facial nerve (VII):
- Greater superficial petrosal nerve:
- Originates from the superior salivary nucleus in the pons.
- Relays to the sphenopalatine ganglion.
- Responsible for lacrimal gland (tear) secretion and mucous membrane secretion in the nose, pharynx, and soft palate.
- Chorda tympani nerve:
- Originates from the superior salivary nucleus in the pons.
- Relays to the submandibular ganglion.
- Involved in true salivary secretion (large, watery saliva rich in electrolytes) from the sublingual and submandibular glands and mucous membrane secretion in the anterior 2/3 of the tongue.
- Greater superficial petrosal nerve:
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Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX):
- Originates from the inferior salivary nucleus in the medulla.
- Relays to the otic ganglion.
- Controls true salivary secretion from the parotid gland and mucous membrane secretion in the posterior 1/3 of the tongue.
-
Vagus nerve (X):
- Originates from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus in the medulla.
- Relays to terminal ganglia.
- Controls various functions in the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal system, and other visceral organs.
-
Pelvic nerve:
- Originates from the sacral spinal segments 2, 3, and 4.
- Relays to terminal ganglia.
- Controls functions related to urination, defecation, and sexual arousal.
Parasympathetic Effects on Specific Organs
-
Eye:
- Pupillary constriction (miosis) to reduce light entering the eye, essential for near vision.
- Accommodation to near vision by increasing the lens power to focus on nearby objects.
-
Heart:
- Decreases heart rate and contractility, reducing the effectiveness of the heart as a pump.
- Causes vasodilation of coronary vessels directly, but indirectly promotes vasoconstriction due to reduced cardiac workload and metabolite accumulation.
-
Lungs:
- Bronchoconstriction by stimulating bronchial muscles.
- Increase mucous secretion by stimulating bronchial glands.
-
Gastrointestinal System:
- Increases bile flow and relaxes the sphincter of Oddi, facilitating bile release into the duodenum.
- Stimulates secretion from the pancreas, gastric glands, and Brunner's glands in the duodenum.
- Increases contraction of gastrointestinal walls and relaxes sphincters, promoting digestion and movement of food through the gut.
- Causes vasodilation of gastrointestinal blood vessels.
-
Urinary System:
- Increases contraction of the bladder wall and relaxes the internal urethral sphincter, promoting urination.
-
Reproductive System:
- Causes vasodilation leading to erection of the penis and clitoris.
- Stimulates glandular secretions.
Other Important Points:
- The parasympathetic nervous system generally promotes energy conservation, digestion, and rest.
- The external anal and urethral sphincters are controlled by somatic spinal pudendal nerves, allowing voluntary control of urination and defecation.
- The majority of organs receive dual innervation from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, allowing fine-tuned control of organ function.
- Certain organs are exclusively innervated by either the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system.
- The relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is often antagonistic, with one system counteracting the effects of the other.
Examples of Antagonistic Effects:
- Sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate, while the parasympathetic nervous system decreases it.
- Sympathetic nervous system promotes pupillary dilation, while the parasympathetic nervous system promotes constriction.
Parasympathetic Nervous System Functions
- The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for "rest and digest" functions.
- It helps relax the body and conserve energy.
- It acts primarily through the vagus nerve and pelvic nerves.
- It helps control pupillary constriction (miosis) and accommodation to near vision.
-
Oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve 3): controls constrictor pupillae muscle and ciliary muscle for near vision.
- It originates from the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in the midbrain.
-
Facial nerve (cranial nerve 7): stimulates lacrimal glands, mucous membranes of the nose, pharynx, and anterior 1/3 of tongue, and salivary glands (sublingual and submandibular).
- Greater superficial petrosal nerve: responsible for lacrimal and mucous glands.
- Chorda tympani: stimulates sublingual and submandibular salivary glands.
-
Glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve 9): stimulates parotid salivary gland.
- Originates from the inferior salivary nucleus in the medulla.
-
Vagus nerve (cranial nerve 10): controls heart, lungs, digestive system, and some glands.
- Originates from the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus in the medulla.
- Pelvic nerves (S2-S4): control lower digestive system, urinary bladder, and reproductive organs.
Cardiac function
- Decreases heart rate, rhythmicity, excitability, conductivity, and contractility.
- Vagus nerve only supplies the atria (not ventricles).
- Coronary vasodilatation via direct effect.
- Indirect vasoconstriction due to inhibition of cardiac work and less metabolites accumulation.
Respiratory function
- Bronchoconstriction by stimulating bronchial muscles.
- Increases mucus secretion by stimulating bronchial glands.
Digestive function
- Increases bile flow and relaxes sphincter of Oddi for bile emptying.
- Stimulates pancreatic secretion.
- Stimulates gastric glands and Brunner's glands in the duodenum.
- Contraction of digestive tract walls and relaxation of sphincters.
- Vasodilatation and stimulation of emptying of the digestive tract.
Urinary/Reproductive function
- Contraction of bladder walls and relaxation of internal urethral sphincter facilitating micturition.
- Contraction of rectal walls and relaxation of internal anal sphincter for defecation.
- Vasodilatation and stimulation of glands leading to erection of the penis and clitoris.
Other functions
- External anal and urethral sphincters are voluntary muscles controlled by the somatic spinal pudendal nerve.
- Most organs are dual innervated by sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
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Some organs are only innervated by one division of the autonomic nervous system:
- Sympathetic only: dilator pupillae muscle, Muller's muscle, upper esophagus, cutaneous effectors, ventricles of the heart, spleen, adrenal medulla.
- Parasympathetic only: constrictor pupillae muscle, glands of the stomach.
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Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems act antagonistically in many cases:
- For example, heart rate increased by sympathetic NS, decreased by parasympathetic NS.
Pelvic nerve
- Also known as the nervus erigenus.
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