Autonomic Nervous System Flashcards
The sympathetic system runs in which vertebrae?
1 - T1 - L2
2 - T1 - S2
3 - C7 - L2
4 - C1 - S5
1 - T1 - L2
What is a group of cell bodies called in the CNS and PNS?
- CNS = nucleus
- PNS = ganglion
Where is the primary site for stimulation of the autonomic system begin in the brain?
1 - thalamus
2 - pons
3 - brain stem
4 - hypothalamus
4 - hypothalamus
- axons travel down spinal cord nucleus (CNS)
- synapse with pre-ganglionic neuron cell bodies in PNS
Once the pre-ganglionic neuron leaves the spinal cord, what are the 2 places the pre-ganglionic neurons can go?
1 = enter sympathetic ganglion (lots of post ganglionic cell bodies)
2 = pass through the sympathetic ganglion (lots of post ganglionic cell bodies) and synapse with the post ganglionic cell bodies in the pre-vertebral ganglion
Sympathetic ganglia can be divided into 2 separate groups, called the para-vertebral (meaning either side of the spine) and pre-vertebral (before the spine) ganglia. What are the para-vertebral ganglia?
- ganglia (groups of cell bodies) that run alongside spinal cord
- all interconnected forming a sympathetic chain
- pre-ganglionic neuron synapse at sympathetic chain with post-synaptic ganglion
Sympathetic ganglia can be divided into 2 separate groups, called the para-vertebral and pre-vertebral ganglia. What are the pre-vertebral ganglia?
- located anteriorly to the spinal column (hence the pre)
- pre-ganglionic neurons pass through sympathetic chain without synapsing
- pre-ganglionic neuron synapses with ganglion at the pre-vertebral ganglia where they synapse with the post-ganglionic nerve
There are 4 pre-vertebral ganglia that come from the sympathetic nervous system, label them on the image below using the labels here:
- aortico-renal ganglia
- superior mesenteric ganglia (near superior mesenteric artery)
- celiac ganglia (wall of aorta)
- inferior mesenteric ganglia (near inferior mesenteric artery)
1 = celiac ganglia (wall of aorta)
2 = superior mesenteric ganglia (near superior mesenteric artery)
3 = inferior mesenteric ganglia (near inferior mesenteric artery)
4 = aortico-renal ganglia
What does di-synaptic mean?
- 2 neurons synapsing together in the ganglia
There are 4 cranial nerves that contribute towards parasympathetic activity. Where do these originate from?
- brain stem
There are 4 cranial nerves that contribute towards parasympathetic activity and originate in the hypothalamus. Some neurons from the hypothalamus are short and synapse with the pre-ganglionic neurons in the brain stem nuclei. There are 4 cranial nerves that have their nuclei in the brain stem and contribute towards parasympathetic activity, what are they?
- remember as 3, 7, 9 and 10
- CN III (3) oculomotor nerve
- CN VII (7) facial nerve
- CN IX (9) glossopharyngeal nerve
- CN X (10) vagus nerve
Which sacral vertebrae have parasympathetic neurons?
1 - L4-L5
2 - L5-S4
3 - S2-S4
4 - S4-S5
3 - S2-S4
- innervates pelvic organs
The parasympathetic system is often referred to as the craniosacral division, why?
- nerves originate from cranium and sacrum
Does the parasympathetic (PS) or sympathetic (S) nervous system have long pre and post ganglionic neurons?
- PS = long pre and short post ganlionic neurons
- S = short pre and long post ganlionic neurons
There are 3 divisions of the autonomic system, what are they?
1 - para-sympathetic
2 - sympathetic
3 - enteric (GIT)
Although the sympathetic nervous system originate from T1 to L2, does that mean the sympathetic nervous system can innervate within the T1 to L2 vertebrae?
- no
- the sympathetic chain allows the sympathetic system to innervate anyway in the body
The general autonomic circuitry has 2 axons, what are these called?
- pre-ganglionic neuron
- post-ganglionic neuron
The general autonomic circuitry has 2 axons, called the pre-ganglionic and post-ganglionic neurons. What organ is the one exception to this rule?
1 - kidneys
2 - adrenal medulla
3 - adrenal cortex
4 - spleen
2 - adrenal medulla
- only has a pre ganglionic neuron
The general autonomic circuitry has 2 axons, called the pre-ganglionic and post-ganglionic neurons. Are both pre and post ganglionic neurons myelinated?
- no
- pre = myelineated (white)
- post = unmyelineated (grey)
What is the main receptor type and neurotransmitter that we have at the synapse between the pre and post ganglionic neuron in the nervous system?
1 - ionotropic nicotinic (Nn and Nm) and serotonin
2 - ionotropic nicotinic (Nn and Nm) and acetylcholine
3 - ionotropic nicotinic (Nn and Nm) and dopamine
4 - ionotropic nicotinic (Nn and Nm) and glutamate
Nn = nicotinic at neurons
Nm = nicotinic at muscles
2 - ionotropic nicotinic (Nn and Nm) and acetylcholine
- ionotropic ligand gated (fast response required)
What is the main receptor type and neurotransmitter that we have at the synapse between the post ganglionic neuron and target tissue in the sympathetic nervous system?
1 - metabotropic receptors and neuroadrenalin
2 - metabotropic receptors and acetylcholine
3 - metabotropic receptors and dopamine
4 - metabotropic receptors and serotonin
1 - metabotropic receptors and neuroadrenalin
- metabotropic receptors include a1 and 2 and B1, 2 and 3
The main receptor type and neurotransmitter that we have at the synapse between the post ganglionic neuron and target tissues are metabotropic receptors (a1 and 2 and B1, 2 and 3) and noradrenalin is main neurotransmitter. What is the one exception to this?
1 - sweat glands and acetylcholine
2 - adrenal medulla glands and acetylcholine
3 - kidney glands and acetylcholine
4 - pancreas glands and acetylcholine
1 - sweat glands and acetylcholine
The exception in the pre-ganlgionic neurons is the adrenal medulla. What cells in the adrenal medulla act as a ganglion to synapse with the pre ganglionic neuron?
- chromaffin cells
- binds to acetylcholine
- causes release of adrenalin/noradrenalin
In the parasympathetic system the pre ganglionic neurons are long and the post ganglionic neurons are short. What neurotransmitter binds at both the pre and post ganglion?
1 - neuroadrenalin
2 - acetylcholine
3 - dopamine
4 - serotonin
2 - acetylcholine
In the parasympathetic system the pre ganglionic neurons are long and the post ganglionic neurons are short. What receptors are present on tissue where the post ganglion synapse in the para-sympathetic system?
1 - ionotropic
2 - metabotropic
3 - receptor tyrosine kinase
4- enzyme coupled receptors
2 - metabotropic
- M1, 3 and 5 are Gas
- M2 and 4 are Gai
The para-vertebral ganglia are pre-ganglionic neurons that synapse with the post ganglionic neuron at the paravertebral ganglia, which is essentially the sympathetic chain. How do the pre-ganglionic fibres enter the sympathetic trunk from the spinal cord ventral horn (efferent = effector nerves)?
1 - spinal nerve
2 - white rami communicantes
3 - trunk
4 - dorsal horn
2 - white rami communicantes
- only occurs at the level of T1-L2 vertebrae
Once a pre-ganglionic neurons leaves the spinal cord via the ventral horn, if it is part of the para-vertebral ganglia, it will then enter a channel before enter a ganglia within the sympathetic chain. What is this channel called and what colour will it appear?
- called white ramus communicans
- white as pre-ganglionic neurons are myelinated
Once a pre-ganglionic neurons leaves the spinal cord via the ventral horn, if it is part of the paravertebral ganglia, it will then enter a channel called the white ramus communicans, which is white because it is myelinated, before synapsing at the ganglia with the post-ganglionic neuron. The post-ganglionic neuron will then leave using a channel and travel towards its target tissue. What is this channel called and why?
- called grey ramus communicans
- grey as post-ganglionic neurons are un-myelinated
The sympathetic chain is able to travel throughout the body, beyond the origins of the sympathetic trunk (T1-L2). In the cervical region of the sympathetic trunk there are 3 ganglia that supply the head, upper limbs and the heart, what are these called?
1 - top, middle and bottom cervical ganglion
2 - superior, middle and inferior cervical ganglion
3 - superior, lateral and inferior cervical ganglion
2 - superior, middle and inferior cervical ganglion
The sympathetic chain is able to travel throughout the body, beyond the origins of the sympathetic trunk (T1-L2). In the cervical region of the sympathetic trunk there are 3 ganglia, superior cervical ganglion (largest), middle cervical ganglion (smallest) and inferior cervical ganglion. What are the 2 main roles these play in sympathetic innervation?
1 - innervate the spine
2 - innervate the face
3 - innervate upper limbs
4 - innervate the head
3 - innervate upper limbs
- piggyback down common carotid artery and innervate the heart
The sympathetic chain is able to travel throughout the body, beyond the origins of the sympathetic trunk (T1-L2). In the cervical region of the sympathetic trunk there are 3 ganglia, superior cervical ganglion (largest), middle cervical ganglion (smallest) and inferior cervical ganglion. The superior cervical ganglion can then go onto to form 2 things, what are they called?
1 - internal carotid plexus (group of post-ganglionic nerves)
2 - external carotid plexus (group of post-ganglionic nerves)
The sympathetic chain is able to travel throughout the body, beyond the origins of the sympathetic trunk (T1-L2). In the cervical region of the sympathetic trunk there are 3 ganglia, superior cervical ganglion (largest), middle cervical ganglion (smallest) and inferior cervical ganglion. The superior cervical ganglion can then go onto to form the internal and external carotid plexus (group of post-ganglionic nerves). What is the function of the internal carotid plexus?
1 - regulates the eyes (dilates, raises eye lid)
2 - regulate mucus production
3 - regulate hearing
4 - regulate blood supply of the face
1 - regulates the eyes (dilates, raises eye lid)
The sympathetic chain is able to travel throughout the body, beyond the origins of the sympathetic trunk (T1-L2). In the cervical region of the sympathetic trunk there are 3 ganglia, superior cervical ganglion (largest), middle cervical ganglion (smallest) and inferior cervical ganglion. The superior cervical ganglion can then go onto to form the internal and external carotid plexus (group of post-ganglionic nerves). What is the function of the external carotid plexus?
1 - regulates the eyes (dilates, raises eye lid)
2 - regulate mucus production
3 - innervates submandibular and parotid glands
4 - regulate blood supply of the face
3 - innervates submandibular and parotid glands
- inhibits saliva production as not needed in fight or flight
The sympathetic thoracic ganglia supply the heart, lungs and abdominal viscera. The grey rami communicans, which are the post ganglionic neurons leave the thoracic spinal cord and go on to form networks of intersecting sympathetic nerves, called plexi. What 2 plexi are formed here, thinking about 2 of the largest organs in the thoracic cavity?
1 - carotid plexus
2 - pulmonary plexus
The sympathetic lumbar ganglia supply the abdominal viscera (GIT) and lower limbs. The white rami communicans (myelinated) leave the spinal cord and synapse in the sympathetic ganglia chain, and instead of synapsing with the grey rami communicans, which are the post ganglionic neurons, they leave and synapse with what 2 pre-vertebral ganglia. What are these 2 pre-ganglionic ganglia that supply the lumbar region?
1 - superior and celiac mesenteric ganglia
2 - lumbar and inferior mesenteric ganglia
3 - brachial and inferior mesenteric ganglia
4 - superior and inferior mesenteric ganglia
4 - superior and inferior mesenteric ganglia
The sympathetic sacral ganglia supplies the viscera and the lower limbs. The white rami communicans (myelinated) from T1 to L2 leave the spinal cord and synapse in the sympathetic ganglia chain with the grey rami communicans, which are the post ganglionic neurons in the sacral portion of the sympathetic chain. What are these nerves called and what plexus can these nerves form?
- sacral splanchnic nerves
- inferior hypogastric plexus
The cranial nerves that are part of the para-sympathetic nervous system are cranial nerves III (3), VII (7), IX (9) and X (10). What is the normal pathway the pre and post ganglionic neurons of the cranial nerves take?
- pre ganglionic neuron = originates in the brain stem
- post ganglionic neuron = synapse with pre ganglionic neuron in a ganglia close to the target tissue
Cranial nerve III (3) is called what, and where does it originate from?
- oculomotor nerve
- cell nuclei in midbrain of the brainstem, called the Edinger-Westphal nucleus
Cranial nerve III (3) is the oculomotor nerve and originate from the nuclei in midbrain of the brainstem. What does this nerve innervate?
- occularis = eye (moves the eyeball)
- all eye muscles except superior oblique CN IV (4) and lateral rectus (CN VI (6)
- remember using SO4 and LR6
Cranial nerve VII (7) is called what, and where does it originate from?
- facial nerve
- nuclei in pons of the brainstem
Cranial nerve IX (9) is called what, and where does it originate from?
- glossopharyngeal nerve
- nuclei of medulla in brain stem
Cranial nerve IX (9) is called the glossopharyngeal nerve and originates in the nuclei of pons in brain stem. What does this nerve innervate?
- glosso = greek for tongue and pharyngeal = pharynx
- innervates = posterior 1/3 of tongue, middle ear and stylopharyngeus muscle which is important for swallowing
Cranial nerve VII (7) and IX (9) called the facial and glossopharyngeal nerve, respectively originate in the nuclei of pons in brain stem. These 2 nuclei are given names in relation to one another, what are they?
- superior salivatory nucleus
- inferior salivatory nucleus
The nucleus ambiguous in the medulla of the brainstem provides the origin for which cranial nerve that is part of the para-sympathetic nervous system and also referred to as the wandering nerve?
- cranial nerve X (10)
- vagus nerve
There are 4 cranial nerves that are part of the parasympathetic nervous system. The cranial nerves that leave the brainstem and synapse at pre-ganlionic before being carried via axons and synapse at specific ganglia in the head. Using the labels below, label the 4 ganglion in the image below using the below labels:
- Pterygopalatine ganglion
- Otic (greek for ear) ganglion
- Submandibular ganglion
- Ciliary ganglion
1 - Ciliary ganglion
2 - Pterygopalatine ganglion
3 - Otic ganglion
4 - Submandibular ganglion
The pre-ganlionic axons will pass through cranial nerves and synapse at specific ganglia. What is the important ganglia of the glossopharyngeal nerve?
1 - otic ganglion
2 - ciliary ganglion
3 - foreman ganglion
4 - otitis ganglion
1 - otic (greek for ear) ganglion
The pre-ganlionic axons will pass through cranial nerves and synapse at specific ganglia. What is the important ganglia of the oculomotor nerve?
1 - otic ganglion
2 - ciliary ganglion
3 - foreman ganglion
4 - otitis ganglion
2 - ciliary ganglion
The pre-ganlionic axons will pass through cranial nerves and synapse at specific ganglia. The vagus nerve originates in the medulla oblongata and then must pass through which foraman to then innervate the heart, liungs and abdominal organs?
1 - optic canal
2 - foreman magnum
3 - foreman ovalum
4 - jugular foraman
4 - jugular foraman
- behind the carotid canal in the middle fossa
The sacral nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system originate from S2-S4 vertebrae. The pre-ganglionic nerve fibres will exit the vertebrae of S2-S4 and travel to the pelvis organs using pelvic splanchnic nerves. These will then form which plexus that overlies the organs of the pelvis and gains its name which is the same as the lower mid region of the gastro examination?
- inferior hypogastric plexus
The enteric nervous system is one of the main divisions of the autonomic nervous system and consists of a mesh-like system of neurons that governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring control. 2 major plexus ensure this control, what are they?
1- splenic and submucosal plexi
2- splenic and hypogastric plexi
3- hypogastric and submucosal plexi
4- myenteric and submucosal plexi
4- myenteric and submucosal plexi
- myenteric (auerbachs) plexus
- submucosal (meissners) plexus
The GIT is composed of layers, which are:
1 - mucosa (epithelium, lamina propria and muscularis mucosa)
2 - sub mucosa
3 - muscularis propria
4 - adventia
Which layer can the Myenteric [Auerbach’s] plexus be located in?
3 - muscularis propria layer
- think myenteric has a similar sound to myo for muscle
The GIT is composed of layers, which are:
1 - mucosa (epithelium, lamina propria and muscularis mucosa)
2 - sub mucosa
3 - muscularis propria
4 - adventia
Which layer can the Submucosal [Meissner’s] plexus be located in?
2 - submucosal layer
The Submucosal [Meissner’s] plexus can be located in the submucosal layer (2nd layer) of the GIT. What is the function of this plexus?
- controls glandular secretions
- controls blood flow
The Myenteric (meaning muscle) [Auerbach’s] plexus can be located in the muscularis propria layer (3rd layer) of the GIT. What is the function of this plexus?
- controls peristalsis (motility/contraction)
Cranial nerve X (10) the vagus nerve is known as the wandering nerve and is an important part of the parasympathetic nervous system. It has been shown to innervate lots of tissues, what are the main ones?
- lungs
- heart
- abdominal tissue
In the sympathetic nervous system the neuron synapses with the ventral horn of the spinal cord. The efferent (effector) neurons (pre-ganglionic) then leave via what?
- ventral/anterior root
In the sympathetic nervous system the neuron synapses with the ventral horn of the spinal cord the efferent neurons (pre-ganglionic) then leave via the ventral/anterior root and merge together with afferent nerves forming what?
- spinal nerve
In the sympathetic nervous system the neuron synapses with the ventral horn of the spinal cord the efferent neurons (pre-ganglionic) then leave via the ventral/anterior root and merge together with afferent nerves forming spinal nerve. Once in the spinal nerve the pre-ganglionic neuron will then travel through what white structure?
- white rami communicantes
- contains only pre-ganglionic neurons
- pre-ganglionic neurons are myelinated so appear white, hence the name
In the sympathetic nervous system the neuron synapses with the ventral horn of the spinal cord the efferent neurons (pre-ganglionic) then leave via the ventral/anterior root and merge together with afferent nerves forming spinal nerve. Once in the spinal nerve the pre-ganglionic neuron will then travel through what white structure, called the white rami communicantes, which contains only pre-ganglionic neurons. Here it can then travel to one of 2 places where groups of neuronal cell bodies can be found, what are they called?
- pre-vertebral ganglions
- para-vertebral ganglions (sympathetic chain)
In the sympathetic nervous system the neuron synapses with the ventral horn of the spinal cord the efferent neurons (pre-ganglionic) then leave via the ventral/anterior root and merge together with afferent nerves forming spinal nerve. Once in the spinal nerve the pre-ganglionic neuron will then travel through what white structure, called the white rami communicantes, which contains only pre-ganglionic neurons. Here it can then travel to one of 2 places where groups of neuronal cell bodies can be found, called the pre-vertebral ganglions and para-vertebral ganglions (sympathetic chain). Those neurons that travel in the sympathetic chain (para-vertebal ganglion) will then enter a structure similar to the white rami communicantes. What is this structure called?
- grey rami communicantes
- contains only post-ganglionic neurons
- post-ganglionic neurons are un-myelinated so appear grey, hence the name
