Autonomic Nervous System

Question 1

Sympathetic system

Origin, NT released, type of response, length of nerve fibers, location of ganglia

Answer 1

• origin: thoracic and lumbar regions of spinal cord
• NT released: norepinephrine
• type of response: fight or flight
• length of nerve fibers: long
• location of ganglia: near spinal cord

Question 2

Parasympathetic system

Origin, NT released, type of response, length of nerve fibers, location of ganglia

Answer 2

• origin: brainstem and sacral spinal cord
• NT released: acetylcholine
• type of response: rest and digest
• length of nerve fibers: short
• location of ganglia: in or near target organ

Question 3

Enteric nervous system

Answer 3

• mesh-like system of neurons that line GI tract
• operate independently

Question 4

Enteric nervous system communication

Answer 4

• parasympathetic: vagus nerve
• sympathetic: prevertebral ganglia

Question 5

Enteric nervous system involvement

Answer 5

• peristalsis
• intestine contractions
• GI hormone secretions

Question 6

Somatic system

Answer 6

Effector organ: skeletal muscles
# of neurons from CNS to effector:
Location of neuron cell bodies: motor —> brainstem or spinal cord; sensory —> dorsal root ganglia
NT used: acetylcholine
Influence on effector organ: controls musculoskeletal system and external sensory organs

Question 7

Autonomic system

Answer 7

Effector organ: smooth muscle, glands, cardiac muscle
# of neurons from CNS to effector:
Location of neuron cell bodies: brainstem or spinal cord of CNS
NT used: acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine
Influence on effector organ: alpha —> smooth muscle contraction; beta —> cardiac muscle contraction and bronchodilation