Autonomic nervous system

Question 1

Describe the general structure of the autonomic portion of the nervous system

Answer 1

• It is part of the peripheral nervous system
• generally involving a preganglionic neuron & a postganglionic neuron.
• The preganglionic for SNS exits the spinal cord in the T1-L2 region.
• The preganglionic for the PNS exits the spinal cord in the S2-S4 region plus the brain stem along with cranial nerves III, VII, IX and X.
• They postganglionic neurons innervate visceral structures such as smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands.

Question 2

Name the two divisions of the ANS

Answer 2

Sympathetic- fight or flight

Parasympathetic- Rest and Digest

Question 3

Define Neurotransmitter, Name the neurotransmitter of the ANS

Answer 3

• Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry impulses across synapses.
• Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter released from the preganglionic neurons in both PNS and SNS AND for the postganglionic neuron in PNS.
• Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter released by the postganglionic neuron in SNS.

Question 4

Explain the role of the hypothalamus and its relationship to the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions

Answer 4

This is the control center

Question 5

Describe the effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation of the heart

Answer 5

PNS- decrease rate

SNS- Increases rate

Question 6

Describe the effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation of the lungs

Answer 6

PNS- Decreases air passage ways

SNS- opposite

Question 7

Describe the effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation of the Digestino

Answer 7

PNS increases movement & secretions in all of digestion & SNS is opposite

Question 8

Describe the effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation of the pupil

Answer 8

PNS constricts pupil, SNS dilates pupil.

Question 9

Describe the effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation of the sweat gland

Answer 9

Only innervated by SNS and it causes you to sweat

Question 10

Describe the effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation of the adrenal medulla

Answer 10

Only innervated by preganglionic neurons in SNS and it causes the adrenal medulla to release epinephrine & norepinephrine to exaggerate the fight or flight response.

Question 11

Describe the effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation of the cutaneus blood vessels

Answer 11

Only innervated by SNS and it causes them to constrict to decrease blood flow.

Question 12

Describe the effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation of the adominal blood Vessels

Answer 12

Only innervated by SNS and it causes them to constrict to decrease blood flow.

Question 13

Describe the effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation of the skeletal muscle blood vessels

Answer 13

Only innervated by SNS and it causes them to dilate to increase blood flow.