ANS - Study Questions

Question 1

Describe the autonomic nervous system structure and function

Answer 1

The ANS works with smooth muscles, glands, and internal organs under INVOLUNTARY control.

It is a subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that regulates body activities that are under INVOLUNTARY (NOT CONSCIOUS) control.

Visceral Motor - innervates non-skeletal (Non-somatic) muscles.

Question 2

Differentiate between ANS and somatic function.

Answer 2

Somatic:

• voluntary
• Skeletal Muscles
• Sensations (Pain, Pressure, Touch, Temperature, Proprioception)

ANS:

• INVOLUNTARY
• Smooth muscle
• Glands
• Internal Organs

Question 3

Compare and contrast the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of
the ANS.

Answer 3

Sympathetic

• Thoracolumbar (T1-L2/3)
• Fight/Flight/Fright
• Catabolic
• Increases Heart rate, blood pressure, bronchodilation, increasing pupil size.

Parasympathetic
=Craniosacral (CN III, CN VII, CN IX, CN X) - (S2-4)
-Rest/Digest
–Increases Gastric secretions and peristalsis, slowing heart rate, and decreasing pupil size.
-Anabolic
-Normal function and energy conservation
-Homeostasis

Question 4

Illustrate the pathways of sympathetic and parasympathetic impulse
conduction

Answer 4

Requires 2 seperate neurons:

Presynaptic (preganglionic) neuron
Synapses with Postsynaptic neuron

Postsynaptic (postganglionic) neuron
Cell body in autonomic ganglia outside of CNS
Postsynaptic fibers synapse on Effector Organ

Question 5

Illustrate the pathways of sympathetic and parasympathetic impulse
conduction ——- PARASYMPATHETIC

Answer 5

CNS -> Presynaptic Neurons fire (LONGER IN PARA) -> synapse on parasympathetic ganglion -> Postsynaptic neuron -> goes to Effector Organ (release of Acetylcholine)

Question 6

Illustrate the pathways of sympathetic and parasympathetic impulse
conduction ———- SYMPATHETIC

Answer 6

CNS -> Presynaptic Neurons fire (Shorter in Sympathetic) -> synapse on sympathetic ganglion -> Postsynaptic neuron -> reach Effector Organ (Releases Norepinephrine).

Question 7

Oculomotor Nerve (CN III)

Answer 7

Parasympathetic ganglia:

-Ciliary Ganglion

Question 8

Facial Nerve (CN VII)

Answer 8

Parasympathetic Ganglia:

• Pterygopalatine ganglion
• Submandibular ganglion

Question 9

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX)

Answer 9

Parasympathetic ganglia:

-Otic Ganglion

Question 10

Vagus Nerve (CN X)

Answer 10

Parasympathetic Ganglia:

• Ganglion within or close to organ
• -Lungs
• -Liver
• -Gallbladder
• -Stomach
• -Pancreas
• -Small and Long intestines
• -Bladder
• -Penis
• -Clitoris