Autonomic Nervous System II

Question 1

State whether the following have increased or decreased sympathetic function:
Generalized dysautonomia
Pheochromocytoma
Systemic hypertension
Horner's syndrome

Answer 1

Generalized dysautonomia = decreased
Pheochromocytoma = increased
Systemic hypertension = increased
Horner’s syndrome = decreased

Question 2

Neural component of “fight or flight” response takes how long?

Answer 2

Seconds to minutes

Question 3

Hormonal component of “fight or flight” response takes how long?

Answer 3

Days to weeks

Question 4

Definition of hibernation

Answer 4

A behavioral, physiological, and molecular adaptation to withstand periods or seasons of insufficient food availability

Question 5

Definition of torpor

Answer 5

The period in hibernation characterized by suppressed body temperature and metabolic rate

Question 6

Definition of a daily heterotherm

Answer 6

A species that enters daily torpor relying on fall of body temperature rather than metabolic rate

Question 7

Definition of poikilothermy

Answer 7

Process by which an animal’s temperature varies with ambient temperature

Question 8

What is generalized dysautonomia?

Answer 8

• generalized autonomic neuropathy in cats, dogs, and horses

- degenerative lesions of the autonomic ganglia, intermediate gray columns of spinal cord, and some sympathetic axons

Question 9

Clinical signs of generalized dysautonomia

Answer 9

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• anorexia
• lethargy
• weight loss
• dysuria (difficulty urinating)
• inspiratory dyspnea (difficult inspiring)

Question 10

Complications from generalized dysautonomia

Answer 10

• megaesophagus
• gastric distension
• delayed gastric emptying

Question 11

What is pheochromocytoma?

Answer 11

Catecholamine-secreting tumor of neuroectoderm-derived chromaffin cells. Often arises from adrenal medulla but can be extra-adrenal.

Question 12

Clinical signs of pheochromocytoma

Answer 12

• episodic weakness
• restlessness
• tachycardia
• hypertension
• collapse

Question 13

What is Horner’s Syndrome?

Answer 13

A disruption of the sympathetic innervation to the eye and peri-ocular facial muscles. It is an immune-mediated disease caused by trauma, tumors, or inflammation.

Question 14

Clinical signs of Horner’s Syndrome

Answer 14

• ptosis (drooping eyelid)
• miosis (constricted pupils)
• enopthalmos (displacement of eye)
• prolapsed nictitans

Question 15

Clinical signs of acute hypertension

Answer 15

• episodic weakness
• acute blindness
• arrhythmias