Autonomic Dysfunctions Flashcards
Between what levels of the spinal cord does the sympathetic chain exist?
T1-L2
Ejaculation is controlled by which division of the autonomic NS?
Sympathetic
Where does the autonomic NS originate within the spinal cord?
Lateral horn
What is neurogenic bladder?
This occurs when there is damage to the LMN at S2-S4 that prevents urination. The bladder fills and cannot be released. This is a medical emergency.
What nerve is responsible for sympathetic control fo the bladder?
Hypogastric nerve (T10-L2)
What nerve is responsible for voluntary control of the bladder via the external urethral sphincter?
Pudendal Nerve (S2-S4)
What nerve is responsible for sympathetic input to the GI tract?
Inferior hypogastric plexus (T10-L2)
Between what sacral levels do parasympathetic fibers exit?
S2-S4
The pudendal nerve (S2-S4) plays what role in defecation?
Voluntary control of defecation via contraction of the external anal sphincter and levator ani
What occurs following sympathetic stimulation of the bladder?
Relaxation of the detrusor muscle, contraction of the internal urethral sphincter (urinary incontinence)
What symptoms are associated with cauda equina syndrome?
Incontinence, sexual dysfunction, saddle anesthesia
What CNs have parasympathetic function?
CN 3, 7, 9, 10
This disorder is characterized by a lack of sympathetic input to organs.
Horner’s Syndrome
At what spinal levels is the ejaculatory center located?
T12-L2
True/False. Patients with damage of somatic nerves to the GI tract will not be able to defecate.
False. This patients are still able to defecate as parasympathetic input is intact, but will have difficulty as the levator ani and abdominal muscles cannot be contracted to increase abdominal pressure and support defecation
What is the function of the pudendal nerve (S2-S4) in sexual function?
Voluntary control of erectile muscles and assist with initiation of ejaculation
True/False. Erections and sexual intercourse are possible, even with damage to the spinal damage.
True, so long as the parasympathetics remain intact. This is referred to the reflexogenic erection and is initiated by afferent signals without cortical involvement
True/False. Damage to the UMN of S2-S4 will cause neurogenic bladder.
False. This will cause incontinence as the urination sensory reflex remains intact.
Where is the micturition center located?
Pons
What nerves play a role in supporting an erection?
Parasympathetics - Inferior hypogastric plexus (S2-S4)
What symptoms are associated with Horner’s Syndrome?
Ptosis, miosis (pupil constriction), redness, ipsilateral anhidrosis (no sweating), ipsilateral iris color change
What muscles are stimulated by parasympathetic input to the bladder?
The detrusor muscle is contracted and the internal urethral sphincter relaxed to induce urination
