Efferent Division: Autonomic and Somatic Motor Flashcards
What is the autonomic nervous system?
-Involuntary control of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, many gland and some adipose tissue
-Subdivided into sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest)
How are autonomic reflexes important for homeostasis?
-The autonomic nervous system works closely with the endocrine system and behavioural systems to maintain homeostasis
-The hypothalamus, pons, and medulla initiate autonomic, endocrine and behavioural responses
Describe autonomic pathways
Explain sympathetic neuron pathways
explain parasympathetic pathways
What are the chemical signals used in autonomic pathways?
Explain the function of the adrenal medulla
Explain how autonomic varicosities release neurotransmitters over the surface of target cells
How do varicosities synthesize Norepinephrine (NE)?
How to varicosities synthesize Acetylcholine (ACh)?
What receptors are used in sympathetic adrenergic (NE and E) receptors and their subtypes?
Andenylyl cyclase signal transduction pathway
What receptors are used in parasympathetic cholinergic (ACh) receptors in target tissues?
Phospholipase C signal transduction pathway
Compare the autonomic pathways of the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions
Both:
-consist of a preganglionic and postganglionic neuron in series, with the adrenal medulla being the exception
-Preganglionic Actylcholine -> postganglionic nicotinic (ionotropic) receptors
Sympathetic:
-Most active during stressful or emergency situations
-Most postganglionic neurons norepinephrine -> target tissue adrenergic receptors
-Preganglionic neurons originate in thoracic and lumbar regions of spinal cord
-Ganglia located just outside spinal cord (paravertebral)
Parasympathetic:
-Most active during rest-and-digest activites
-Most postganglionic neurons acetylcholine -> target tissue muscarinic receptors
-Preganglionic neurons originate in brainstem and sacral region of spinal cord
-Ganglia located on or near target tissue
