Autonomic nervous system

Question 1

What is part of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 1

Parasympathetic
Sympathetic
Enteric

Question 2

How is the autonomic system different from the somatic nervous system?

Answer 2

Involuntary
Fibres synapse once at a ganglion after they leave the CNS (two neuron chain) for muscle or gland
Innervates smooth, cardiac muscle and glands, either stimulates or inhibits

Question 3

Where does parasympathetic fibres come from?

Answer 3

Cranial nerves
S1, S2 sacral nerves
that’s it

Question 4

Where do sympathetic fibres source from?

Answer 4

Cranial nerves to the eye
The sympathetic chain - to ganglia
Known as splanchnic nerves

Question 5

How is the somatic nervous system different to the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 5

don’t synapse after the leave the CNS (?)
Only

Question 6

What are the main neurotransmitters in autonomic nervous system?

Answer 6

ACh or NE

Question 7

What are the functions of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 7

Thermoregulation
Exercise
Digestion
Competition
Sexual function
Fight or flight

Question 8

What are noticeable effects of the ‘fight or flight’

Question 9

How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system differ in function?

Answer 9

10.15

Question 10

What is the difference in the neurotransmitters in the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?

Question 11

What is the difference between the white and grey rami communicatens?

Answer 11

Grey is involved in the sympathetic nervous system ELEPHANT

Question 11

What is spinal shock?

Answer 11

Injury that puts pressure on the sympathetic chain, so sympathetic functioning is interrupted

Question 12

Whihc cranial nerves do preganglionic parasympathetic fibres run in?

Answer 12

3
7
9
10 - mainly

Question 13

What is the purpose of the enteric nervous system?

Answer 13

coordinate GI function
Regulates intrinsic reflexes and integrative neural activity for mobility, secretion, sensation etc…

Question 14

How do drugs affect the para/sympathetic nervous systems differently?

Answer 14

Different types of receptors… each with sub types?!
- nicotinic - alpha and beta subtypes e.g. beta 2 receptors in the lung
- adrenergic - sympathetic
- muscarinic - parasympathetic
both have nicotinic

Question 15

What are the different types of receptors in the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 15

Stretch
Chemo - e.g. carotid bifurcation (stretch there too)
Volume - e.g. heart
Baroreceptors related to cardiovascular control

Question 16

What types of neurotransmitter and receptor can’t be found in the enteric nervous system?

Answer 16

almost every known neurotransmitter and receptor is found there

Question 17

How can autonomic nervous system diseases be categorised?

Answer 17

PRIMARY ANS DISORDERS
Acute autonomic failure syndromes
Chronic autonomic failure syndromes

SECONDARY ANS DISORDERS
metabolic diseases
inflammatory
infections
neoplasia e.g. brain tumors

cardiovascular disorders can give some of the first signs something is wrong

Question 18

How is hypertension a public health issue?

Answer 18

1/3 UK population have it, of whom only
1/3 identified, of whom only
1/3 are adequately treated

Question 19

Disorders that show autonomic failure syndromes?

Answer 19

Hypertension
Fainting
Other heart issues
Vaso-vagal or ‘reflex’ syncope
Sexual disorders
Sudomotor disorders
Alimentary disorders (gastric)
Disorders of the eyes

Question 20

How can ANS dysfunction be tested for?

Answer 20

Tilt test (HUT) - rapid orthostatic hypotension
Measure reflex in carotid artery to increase in blood pressure(?)
Pupillometer - measures pupil tone
Sweat measurement
Skin blood flow, thermoregulation
Gastric acid secretion
Sexual function