Autonomic Nervous System - Final Exam

Question 1

Compare somatic NS and autonomic NS for the following:

1. effector
2. efferent path
3. response
4. neurotransmitter
5. voluntary or not

Answer 1

1. SNS - skeletal muscle; ANS - smooth, cardiac muscle, glands
2. SNS - single motor neuron; ANS - 2 motor neurons with synapse in ganglion
3. SNS - always excitatory; ANS - excitatory or inhibitory
4. SNS - acetylcholine; ANS - ACh or NE
5. SNS - voluntary; ANS - involuntary

Question 2

ganglia

Answer 2

group of somas

Question 3

2 divisions of the ANS

Answer 3

parasympathetic and sympathetic

Question 4

Overview of the autonomic pathway

Answer 4

1. preganglionic neuron (cell body in CNS)
2. preganglionic axon (myelinated)
3. ganglion
4. postganglionic neuron (cell body in PNS)
5. postganglionic axon (unmyelinated)
6. effector

Question 5

In the parasympathetic NS

Answer 5

preganglionic neurons are long
craniosacral outflow
postganglionic neurons are short

Question 6

craniosacral outflow

Answer 6

cell bodies in the brain and lateral horns S2-S4

Question 7

the parasympathetic NS preganglionic axons emerge from the CNS via

Answer 7

cranial nerves III, VII, IX, X

anterior roots and spinal nerves S2-S4 give rise to pelvic splanchnic nerves

Question 8

in the sympathetic NS

Answer 8

preganglionic neurons are short
thoracolumbar outflow
postganglionic neurons are long

Question 9

thoracolumbar outflow

Answer 9

cell bodies in lateral horns T1-L2

Question 10

the sympathetic NS preganglionic axons emerge from

Answer 10

the anterior roots

Question 11

types of sympathetic ganglia

Answer 11

sympathetic chain/trunk (paravertebral) ganglia - 22-24; vertical row on either side of vertebral column

collateral (prevertebral) ganglia - 3; anterior to vertebral column near lg. arteries

adrenal medulla - for rapid release of E and NE

Question 12

destinations of the sympathetic preganglionic axons

Answer 12

1. reach sympathetic chain ganglion via white communicating ramus
2. many do not stop at the ganglion; branch and go up or down in the sympathetic trunk
3. may exit in splanchnic nerve, which carries preganglionic fibers to a collateral ganglion
4. may continue to the adrenal medulla

Question 13

adrenal medulla

Answer 13

collection of anaxonic postganglionic neurons

Question 14

postganglionic axons travel from ____ via ____(2)

Answer 14

sympathetic chain ganglion

1. gray communicating ramus into spinal nerve
2. other sympathetic nerves to viscera

Question 15

autonomic plexuses

Answer 15

near the heart, lung, and gut

fibers from both divisions mingle to form nerve networks

Question 16

functions of the ANS together

Answer 16

autonomic tone - constantly active at low levels

Question 17

functions of the sympathetic ANS

Answer 17

“fight or flight”
“E-situations”
widespread
“sympano-adrenal” system contributes

Question 18

what are the “E-situations”

Answer 18

emergency
exercise
embarrassment

Question 19

functions of the parasympathetic ANS

Answer 19

“rest and digest”
“SLUDD”
energy conservation is the goal

Question 20

what does “SLUDD” stand for

Answer 20

S - salivation
L - lacrimation
U - urination
D - digestion 
D - defecation

Question 21

parasympathetic ganglia

Answer 21

AKA intramural ganglia - near or in wall of effector organ

contain cell body of postganglionic neuron

Question 22

branching of the sympathetic ANS vs. the parasympathetic ANS

Answer 22

sympathetic is extensive

parasympathetic is minimal