ANS Function

Question 1

Function of PSNS

Answer 1

Maintain homeostasis

Internally balanced environment

Question 2

Function of SNS

Answer 2

Respond to emergencies

Mobilize energy storage

Question 3

ANS Function - Enteric

Answer 3

Coordinated gut motility

Question 4

How many neurons does the SNS and PSNS have?

Answer 4

2 neuron system

Question 5

Where is the presynaptic/preganglionic? SNS and PNS

Answer 5

Soma in CNS

Question 6

Where is the postsynaptic/postganglionic? SNS and PSNS

Answer 6

Soma always in a ganglion in the PNS

Question 7

Major regulation and preparation the SNS does?

Answer 7

Regulate blood flow
Preparation for energy expenditure

• Shunt blood from where you don’t need it to where you do
• Mobilize energy stores

Question 8

Where are the presynaptic and postsynaptic somas located?

SNS

Answer 8

Presynaptic - Lateral horn T1-L2(3) (IML cell column)

Postsynaptic -

1) Paravertebral ganglion of sympathetic trunk
2) Prevertebral ganglia

Question 9

All presynaptic axons release acetylcholine and goes to?

Answer 9

Cholinergic receptors on all postsynaptic neurons

Question 10

Smooth muscle of the faces travel with?

Answer 10

Branches of common carotid artery

Question 11

Limbs or walls of the trunk travel with?

Answer 11

Spinal nerves - Dorsal/ventral rami - peripheral nerves

Question 12

Thoracic cavity travel with?

Answer 12

Cardiopulmonary splanchnic nerves

Question 13

Visceral in abdominal/pelvic cavity travel with?

Answer 13

Abdominopelvic splanchnic nerves - prevertebral ganglia - branches of abdominal aorta (or to adrenal gland)

Question 14

SNS Postsynaptic axons contain what?

Answer 14

Some release ACh
Cholinergic receptors
Sweat glands and arrector glands

Question 15

SNS Postsynaptic axons most release?

Answer 15

Norepinephrine

Adrenal glads and epinephrine into the blood stream making it a hormone

Question 16

Adrenergic receptors are?

Answer 16

Alpha receptors and Beta receptors

Question 17

What is autonomic dysreflexia?

Answer 17

Associated with SCI

• Highest risk with injuries at T6 or above
• Overactivity of SNS with inability to inhibit the presynaptic neurons in the spinal cord leads to excessive vasoconstriction (increase in BP)

Question 18

What is Horner’s Syndrome?

Answer 18

Lesion of SNS pathway to the face

• Descending sympathetic tract = Brainstem, cervical spinal cord, upper thoracic spinal cord
• Lateral horn upper thoracic spinal cord
• Superior cervical paravertebral ganglion and upper levels of sympathetic trunk

Question 19

Signs/Symptoms of Horner’s Syndrome?

Answer 19

Ipsilateral drooping eyelid - ptosis

• Pupillary constriction (loss of pupilary dilator) = miosis
• Absense of sweating - anhidrosis
• Skin vasodilation - flushing