1.4 Autonomic nervous system

Question 1

What does the autonomic nervous system control?

Answer 1

Unconscious systems in the body

• smooth muscles, peristaisis
• glandular activity
• cardiac tissue

Question 2

What structures are involved in the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 2

General visceral efferent (motor) neurons
General visceral afferent (sensory) neurons
Integration centres in the brain

Question 3

What are the major divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 3

Principally in the area of motor division
- parasympathetic
- sympathetic
One ↑, other ↓ effect on system

Question 4

What are the general functions of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 4

One speeds up organ (fight or flight)

One slows down (relax and digest)

Question 5

What are the effects on heart rate of sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation?

Answer 5

Sympathetic increases heart rate
Parasympathetic decreases heart rate
- known as dual innervation

Question 6

Where are the pre-ganglionic neurons found?

Answer 6

Cell body in brain or spinal cord

Question 7

Where are the post-ganglionic neurons found?

Answer 7

Cell body lies outside CNS in an autonomic ganglia

Question 8

What neurotransmitters are involved in parasympathetic innervation?

Answer 8

Pre - Ach - Post - Ach

Question 9

What neurotransmitters are involved in sympathetic innervation?

Answer 9

Pre - Ach - Post - Adrenagic

Question 10

What is the function of crainal nerves 3,7,9?

Answer 10

Parasympathetic fibres

Question 11

What is the function of crainal nerve 10?

Answer 11

↓ heart rate, ↑ contraction in the gut

- parasympathetic nerve

Question 12

Describe the autonomic reflex arc

Answer 12

Components

• sensory receptor
• sensory neuron
• integrating centre
• pre and post ganglionic motor neurons
• visceral effectors

Question 13

What organ mediates between sympathetic and parasympathic?

Answer 13

Brain

- hypothalamus