Autonomic nervous system Flashcards
Map of ANS in body
Parasympathetic
- Brainstem
- S2-S4
Sympathetic
- T1-L2
Axons of ANS
Always synapse at ganglia [di-synaptic pathway]
- EXCEPT sympathetic supply to adrenal medulla
General parasympathetic neuronal pathway
Cranial nerve nuclei/ Grey matter spinal cord—-[myelinated preganglionic axon]—->
Cranial/ spinal nerve—-> Parasympathetic ganglion——[unmyelinated postganglionic axon]—>
Effector organ
General sympathetic neuronal pathway
Grey matter spinal cord—[myelinated preganglionic axon, spinal nerve]—–>
Sympathetic ganglion{synapse}—–[unmyelinated postganglionic axon]—–>
Effector organ.
Neurotransmission in ANS pathways
- Ganglia
- Postganglion, sympathetic neurones
- Adrenal medulla
In ganglia
- Ach is NT released
- Bind on nicotinic receptors on postganglionic neurones [fast]
Post-ganglionic sympathetic neurones:
- Noradrenaline released [XC in sweatglands, Ach used]
- Binds to adrenergic receptors [slow]
Adrenal medulla:
- Ach released
- Binds to nicotinic receptors on chromaffin cells
- Causes release of adrenaline/noradrenaline into the blood= activation of sympathetic effector organs
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors
G-protein coupled receptor
- Responds to Noradrenaline
Found on blood vessel smooth muscle
Beta-1 adrenergic receptors
Found in the heart
G-protein coupled receptor
- Responds to Noradrenaline
Beta-2 adrenergic receptors
Found on bronchial smooth muscle cells.
G-protein coupled receptor
- Responds to Noradrenaline
Prazosin
Anti-hypertensive —-> Alpha-adrenergic antagonist
Atenolol
Anti-hypertensive—-> Beta-adrenergic antagonist
Salbutamol
Short acting, beta-2 agonist
- Treatment for asthma
Neurotransmission
- Postganglionic parasympathetic neurones
Ach is released
- Binds to muscarinic receptors on effector organs [slow]
Atropine
Muscarinic antagonist
Treatment for:
- Bradycardia
- Dilate pupils
- Reduction of glandular secretions
White rami communicans
Section of preganglionic fibre that enters the sympathetic trunk
- T1-L2
Sympathetic trunk
Interconnected paravertebral ganglia from cervical to sacral levels.
Preganglionic fibres entering sympathetic trunk
Either:
- Synapse in paravertebral ganglion
or
2. Pass through paravertebral ganglio n without synapsing —> form splanchnic nerve and synapse at prevertebral ganglion
Route of post-ganglionic fibres from sympathetic trunk
To the periphery:
- Back into spinal nerves via grey rami communicans
To the viscera
- Via medial branches/ plexus