Ch. 21 The visceral motor system

Question 0

What are the main differences between the visceral motor system and the somatic motor system?

Answer 0

1. Location of ganglia
2. Type of contact between neuron and viscera (varicosities along end of neuron loosely contacts viscera)
3. Area of cortex supplying the lower motor neurons (cortical/subcortical areas of brain, ventral/medial part of forebrain)
4. Neurotransmitter release (one main neurotransmitter + one/several co-transmitters)

Question 1

Where are the lower motor neuron somas of the sympathetic and para-sympathetic visceral motor systems respectively located?

Answer 1

In autonomic ganglia located either close to the spinal chord (sympathetic) or in a neural plexus closer to the target organ.