Autonomic Nervous System

Question 1

what does ANS innervate? what does it regulate?

Answer 1

ANS innervates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands. It regulates visceral functions and maintains homeostasis.

Question 2

what is ANS divided into?

Answer 2

Sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest)

Question 3

How does the autonomic two neuron relay work? what is the exception?

Answer 3

cell body of the first neuron is in CNS and its axon is the preganglionic fiber. it synapses with the second neuron. The cell body of the second neuron is located in an autonomic ganglion. Its axon is the postganglionic fiber. The innervation of adrenal medulla does not follow two neuron relay.

Question 4

efferent two neuron pathway

Answer 4

preganglionic fiber from 1st neuron from CNS. it synapses on 2nd neuron in peripheral autonomic ganglion. 2nd neuron provides postganglionic fiber that synapses with target tissue.

Question 5

what do preganglionic neurons of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems release?

Answer 5

they both release acetylcholine.

Question 6

what do postganglionic axons of sympathetic and para release?

Answer 6

sympathetic: noradrenalin, thus adrenergic
para: acetylcholine, thus cholinergic