Sympathetic Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which statement accurately describes the characteristics of collateral sympathetic trunk ganglia?

They are paired and segmentally arranged.

They are located posterior to the vertebral column.

They are not paired and not segmentally arranged. (correct)

They are found exclusively in the head and neck region.

Which of the following is not a main collateral ganglion?

Median sacral ganglion (correct)

Inferior hypogastric ganglion

Superior mesenteric ganglion

Celiac ganglion

What is the location of the collateral sympathetic trunk ganglia in relation to the vertebral column?

They lie lateral to the vertebral column.

They lie posterior to the vertebral column.

They are located within the vertebral column.

They lie anterior to the vertebral column. (correct)

Which region of the body exclusively contains collateral sympathetic trunk ganglia?

Abdomen and pelvis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of collateral ganglia in relation to visceral organs?

To innervate visceral organs in the abdominopelvic cavity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the location and function of sympathetic chain ganglia?

They are located lateral to the vertebral column and control effectors in the body wall, head, neck, limbs, and thoracic cavity. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ganglia specifically innervates effectors in the abdominopelvic cavity?

Collateral ganglia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of specialized neurons found in the adrenal gland?

To release neurotransmitters that act like hormones. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily found in each spinal cord segment within the sympathetic ganglia?

Both preganglionic and postganglionic fibers, working together. Signup and view all the answers

How many types of sympathetic chain ganglia are there in total?

Five types arranged along the vertebral column. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of norepinephrine in the context of the sympathetic nervous system?

It acts as a neurotransmitter released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons. Signup and view all the answers

During the fight-or-flight response, which hormone is predominantly released into the bloodstream?

Epinephrine (adrenaline) Signup and view all the answers

Which structure carries sensory information to the spinal cord?

Dorsal root Signup and view all the answers

What role do postganglionic sympathetic neurons play in the autonomic nervous system?

They release norepinephrine as a neurotransmitter in response to sympathetic activation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the dorsal root ganglion in the autonomic nervous system?

It houses the cell bodies of sensory neurons transmitting information to the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerves are primarily involved in the cranial outflow of the parasympathetic component?

III, VII, IX, X Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Vagus nerve play in the parasympathetic nervous system?

It has a wide distribution to several thoracic and abdominal viscera. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT a function of the cranial components of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Pupil dilation Signup and view all the answers

Where is the dorsal motor nucleus, which originates the vagus nerve, located?

In the medulla Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plexuses is associated with the vagus nerve?

Cardiac Plexus Signup and view all the answers

Which ganglion is primarily associated with blood supply to the abdominal and pelvic viscera?

Celiac ganglia Signup and view all the answers

Which fibers supply the thoracic viscera according to the spinal regions specified?

T1 - T4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the thoracic splanchnic nerves?

Supplies sympathetic innervation to thoracic organs Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is associated with the superior mesenteric ganglia?

Thoracic splanchnics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about post-ganglionic fibers for the head and neck?

They ascend along blood vessels to the head Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is NOT part of the sympathetic outflow to the head and neck?

Inferior hypogastric ganglia Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve?

It arises from T5-T9 Signup and view all the answers

How do pre-ganglionic neurons of thoracic organs leave the sympathetic ganglion?

By their own nerve Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sympathetic Innervation

Pelvic visceral organs receive sympathetic fibers from the sacral region via splanchnic nerves.
Key ganglia include celiac, superior mesenteric, and inferior mesenteric, along with aorticorenal and hypogastric ganglia.
Head and neck sympathetic fibers originate from ganglia in the sympathetic chain, ascending to cervical ganglia for innervation of blood vessels such as the vertebral and internal carotid arteries.

Sympathetic Outflow

Thoracic viscera are supplied by sympathetic outflow from spinal levels T1-T4.
Thoracic organs receive innervation from various plexuses including thoracic splanchnics.
Preganglionic neurons for thoracic organs synapse in the sympathetic ganglion, then exit via their own nerve rather than the gray ramus.

Sympathetic Ganglia Anatomy

Sympathetic chain (paravertebral ganglia) is lateral to the vertebral column, controlling effectors in the body wall, head, neck, limbs, and thoracic cavity.
Collateral ganglia (prevertebral ganglia) are anterior to the vertebral column and innervate abdominopelvic organs.
Major collateral ganglia include celiac, superior mesenteric, inferior mesenteric, and inferior hypogastric ganglia.

Adrenal Gland Innervation

Specialized neurons in the adrenal gland release epinephrine and norepinephrine, acting as hormones during the fight-or-flight response.

Hormonal Regulation

Norepinephrine acts as a neurotransmitter, while epinephrine is secreted in larger quantities during stress responses, enhancing readiness for physical activity.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Cranial outflow is associated with cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X; particularly the vagus nerve.
Vagus nerve significantly influences thoracic and abdominal viscera through various plexuses including cardiac and pulmonary plexuses.

Functions of Cranial Components

Pupil constriction and lens accommodation are controlled via cranial nerve III.
Salivary and lacrimal glands are innervated by cranial nerve VII.
Heart rate and contractility are decreased through the vagus nerve's action.
Bronchoconstriction and mucous gland secretomotor functions are regulated in the lungs.

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Description

This quiz explores the anatomy and functions of the sympathetic nervous system, focusing on the various ganglia and their corresponding nerve fibers. Understand the relationships between the celiac and mesenteric ganglia, along with the supply to different body regions. Perfect for students studying human anatomy or physiology.