Autonomic Nervous System

Question 1

T/F: Parasympathetic is “rest and digest”

Answer 1

TRUE

paRa: Rest

Question 2

T/F: Sypathetic is “fight or flight”

Answer 2

TRUE

Question 3

What are the three main subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 3

1. Sympathetic
2. Parasympathetic
3. Enteric

Question 4

What is the major difference between the autonomic and somatic nervous systems?

Answer 4

The efferent nerves in the autonomic use a two-neuron chain

Preganglionic cell body in CNS -> postganglionic neuron in ganglion

Question 5

How does the location of ganglia differ between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

Answer 5

Sympathetic ganglia are near CNS

Parasympathetic ganglia near innervated organ

Question 6

T/F: In the autonomic nervous system, preganglionic fibers are unmyelinated.

Answer 6

FALSE

Preganglionic are thinly myelinated

Postganglionic are unmyelinated

Question 7

Which neurotransmitters are used in the parasympathetic?

Answer 7

Acetylcholine

Question 8

Which neurotransmitters are used in the sympathetics?

Answer 8

Acetylcholine in first synapse; norepinephrine in the 2nd synapse

Question 9

What is the general location and path of the sympathetic nerves?

Answer 9

Start at T1-L2/3 levels -> sympathetic chain, prevertebral ganglia, or adrenal gland via spinal nerve

Question 10

What is the general location and path of parasympathetic nerves?

Answer 10

Preganglionic neurons in brainstem and sacral cord -> cranial and sacral nerves -> outflow to various viscera, none to limbs

Question 11

What is referred pain?

Answer 11

Pain from viscera perceived as coming from the surface

Question 12

Under what circumstance does referred pain occur?

Answer 12

When visceral structure is innervated by same cord level as surface structure

Question 13

If a patient were to arrive with tooth pain but there is nothing wrong with the tooth/mouth what could be the problem and why?

Answer 13

Could be a sinus infection or headache pain. Referred pain.