chapter 16 Flashcards
What is the organization and function of the autonomic nervous system compared to the somatic nervous system?
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, while the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements.
What are the structures and functions of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?
The sympathetic division includes chain ganglia, collateral ganglia, and the adrenal medulla, which prepare the body for ‘fight or flight’ responses.
What are the structures and functions of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?
The parasympathetic division includes craniosacral structures that promote ‘rest and digest’ activities.
What are the general functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action, while the parasympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation and recovery.
What are visceral reflexes?
Visceral reflexes are automatic responses involving internal organs, which can be short or long in their pathways.
What are the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic division and parasympathetic division
The sympathetic division is often referred to as the thoracolumbar division, while the parasympathetic division is known as the craniosacral division.
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response?
Sympathetic division
This division prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations.
What is the primary function of the parasympathetic division?
To promote ‘rest and digest’ activities
This division conserves energy and restores the body to a state of calm.
What are chain ganglia in the sympathetic division?
Clusters of nerve cell bodies located along the spinal cord
They are part of the sympathetic ganglia that help relay signals.
What is the role of collateral ganglia in the sympathetic division?
To innervate organs in the abdominal and pelvic cavities
These ganglia are located away from the spinal cord.
What is the function of the adrenal medulla in the sympathetic division?
To release hormones such as adrenaline
This release enhances the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.
What are visceral reflexes?
Reflexes that involve internal organs
They can be short or long reflexes, depending on the pathway taken.
Define short visceral reflexes.
Reflexes that do not involve the brain
They typically involve a simple pathway from sensory neuron to spinal cord and back.
Define long visceral reflexes.
Reflexes that involve the brain in addition to the spinal cord
They allow for more complex responses to stimuli.
Compare the general functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Sympathetic: prepares for action; Parasympathetic: conserves energy
They work in opposition to maintain homeostasis.
The sympathetic division is also known as the _______.
Thoracolumbar division
This name is derived from the origin of its nerves in the thoracic and lumbar regions.
The parasympathetic division is also known as the _______.
Craniosacral division
This name is derived from the origin of its nerves in the brain and sacral region.
What are the major types of ganglia in the autonomic nervous system?
Collateral ganglia
These ganglia are part of the sympathetic nervous system.
What neurotransmitter is associated with the sympathetic nervous system?
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is primarily released during stress responses.
What is the function of the vagus nerve?
Regulates heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate
The vagus nerve is a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system.
What are the main differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
Sympathetic: fight or flight; Parasympathetic: rest and digest
These systems have opposing effects on the body’s functions.
Define autonomic tone.
The balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity
Autonomic tone influences the body’s response to stress and relaxation.
What are the two types of reflexes in the autonomic nervous system?
Short reflexes, Long reflexes
Short reflexes are integrated in the ganglia, while long reflexes involve the central nervous system.
What is the role of the hippocampus in memory?
Memory consolidation
The hippocampus is crucial for converting short-term memories into long-term memories.
What does the term ‘RIS’ refer to?
Reticular Activating System
The RIS is involved in regulating wakefulness and sleep cycles.
What are the stages of sleep?
Deep sleep, REM sleep
REM sleep is associated with dreaming and memory processing.
True or False: Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder that affects movement and cognitive function.
True
Huntington’s disease is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene.
What are the mechanisms of parasympathetic neurotransmitter release?
Parasympathetic neurotransmitter release involves the release of acetylcholine at target organs and tissues.
What are the effects of parasympathetic neurotransmitter release on the body?
Effects include decreased heart rate, increased digestive activity, and relaxation of sphincters.
Compare the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in terms of function.
Sympathetic: prepares body for ‘fight or flight’; Parasympathetic: promotes ‘rest and digest’ functions.
What is dual innervation in the autonomic nervous system?
Dual innervation refers to the phenomenon where most organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
What is autonomic tone?
Autonomic tone is the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity at rest.
Describe the hierarchy of interacting levels of control in the autonomic nervous system.
The hierarchy includes higher brain centers, autonomic centers in the brainstem, and spinal cord reflexes.
What is the significance of visceral reflexes in the autonomic nervous system?
Visceral reflexes help maintain homeostasis by regulating organ function in response to internal changes.
where are the preganglionic neurons located
spinal segments t1 - l2
Most sympathetic ganglionic neurons
what do they release and what are they called
Release NE at varicosities
Called adrenergic neurons
Some ganglionic neurons release ACh
where are they located, what are they called
Called cholinergic neurons
Located in body wall, skin, brain, and skeletal muscles
Effects of sympathetic stimulation
what the interactions with receptors, and what do they stimulate
- Result primarily from interactions of NE and E with adrenergic membrane receptors
* Alpha receptors
* Beta receptors
* NE stimulates alpha receptors to greater degree than it does beta receptors
* E stimulates both classes of receptors
Majority of sympathetic postganglionic fibers release NE (adrenergic) what does NA relaese and what is the other effect as
Stimulate sweat glands and dilate blood vessels of skeletal muscles and brain
Nitroxidergic synapses
Neurons innervate smooth muscles in blood vessel walls (e.g., in skeletal muscles and brain)
Produce vasodilation and increased blood flow
automactic tone what do they have,
- Autonomic motor neurons have resting level of activity,
- nerves maintain background level of activity, they can increase or decrease activity
