23. Autonomic Nervous System of the Thorax

Question 1

What is a ganglion?

Answer 1

Cluster of neural cell bodies outside the CNS

Question 2

What are the 3 autonomic plexuses in the body?

Answer 2

Cardiac, Coeliac and hypogastric

Question 3

What do postganglionic sympathetic nerves supply in the cardiac plexus?

Answer 3

SA and AV nodes
Coronary vessels
Cardiac muscle

Question 4

What do postganglionic parasympathetic nerves supply in the cardiac plexus?

Answer 4

SA and AV nodes

Coronary vessels

Question 5

What are the effects of sympathetic innervation of the cardiac plexus?

Answer 5

Increase heart rate
Increase force of contraction
Dilate coronary arteries

Question 6

What are the effects of parasympathetic innervation of the cardiac plexus?

Answer 6

Decrease heart rate
Reduce force of contraction
Constrict coronary arteries

Question 7

Why can cardiac pain be referred to the arm?

Answer 7

Pain is interpreted as arising from dermatomes of T1-T4

Question 8

Why might cardiac pain be referred to the neck and jaw?

Answer 8

Dermatomes of C3,4,5

Question 9

What are the sympathetic functions in the pulmonary plexus?

Answer 9

Bronchodilation

Vasoconstriction

Question 10

What are the parasympathetic functions in the pulmonary plexus?

Answer 10

Bronchoconstriction
Mucus secretion
Vasodilation
Cough reflex

Question 11

What are symptoms of Pancoast’s tumour

Answer 11

Weakened small muscles of the hand
Partial drooping of one eyelid
Pupil constriction
Facial anhidrosis