Exam 1

Question 1

What is the function of the ANS?

Answer 1

controls involuntary bodily functions (heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, glandular activity)

Question 2

What are the key components of the ANS?

Answer 2

ganglia, pre-ganglionic neurons, post-ganglionic neurons

Question 3

What neurotransmitter is released by pre-ganglionic neurons in the ANS?

Answer 3

ACh

Question 4

What neurotransmitter is released by sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons?

Answer 4

NE (NA), except in sweat glands (ACh)

Question 5

What is the primary function of parasympathetic nervous system activation?

Answer 5

rest and digest - decreased HR, promotes digestion, constricts pupils

Question 6

What are adrenergic receptors, and what do they respond to?

Answer 6

receptors for NE (NA) and E, including alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2

Question 7

How does sympathetic activation affect the heart?

Answer 7

increases HR (tachycardia) and contractility

Question 8

What is the effect of parasympathetic activation on the heart?

Answer 8

slows HR (bradycardia) and reduces conduction speed

Question 9

What is the role of the LES?

Answer 9

controls food entry into the stomach and prevents acid reflux

Question 10

What is the cause and symptom of Horner’s Syndrome?

Answer 10

sympathetic nerve damage to the eye causing miosis, ptosis, and anhidrosis (no sweating)

Question 11

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Answer 11

autoimmune disorder blocking ACh receptors at the neuromuscular junction, causing ptosis, diplopia, and muscle weakness

Question 12

How does parasympathetic activation control the eye?

Answer 12

contracts the circular muscle, causing miosis (pupil constriction) and focuses the lens for near vision

Question 13

What is the role of the accessory digestive organs?

Answer 13

aid in digestion but do not move food (e.g., teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas)

Question 14

What is the alimentary canal and its function?

Answer 14

a continuous tube from mouth to anus responsible for digestion, absorption, and excretion of food

Question 15

What is the function of the ENS?

Answer 15

regulates digestion through the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, controlling motility and secretion

Question 16

What are the main digestive processes?

Answer 16

ingestion, propulsion, digestion (mechanical chemical), absorption, and excretion

Question 17

What is GERD and its main symptoms?

Answer 17

gastroesophageal reflux disease caused by LES dysfunction, leading to heartburn, chest pain, and acid regurgitation

Question 18

What is the function of the LES?

Answer 18

prevents acid reflux by regulating food entry into the stomach

Question 19

What are the major layers of the alimentary canal?

Answer 19

mucosa (absorption/secretion), submucosa (blood vessels/nerves), muscularis (food movement), serosa (protective outer layer)

Question 20

What is the function of saliva in digestion?

Answer 20

lubricates food, initiates carbohydrate digestion (via amylase), and protects the oral cavity

Question 21

What is the function of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach?

Answer 21

Activates enzymes (e.g., pepsin) to break down proteins and protect the stomach lining.

Question 22

What is Pepsin and its role?

Answer 22

An enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides in the stomach.

Question 23

What is Achalasia?

Answer 23

A condition where the LES fails to relax properly, leading to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and regurgitation.

Question 24

What is the role of bile in digestion?

Answer 24

Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, aids in fat digestion by emulsifying fats.

Question 25

What is the function of the small intestine?

Answer 25

The main site for nutrient absorption, aided by digestive enzymes and bile.

Question 26

What is Celiac Disease?

Answer 26

An autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption due to gluten intolerance.

Question 27

What is the difference between mechanical and chemical digestion?

Answer 27

Mechanical digestion involves physical breakdown of food (e.g., chewing, stomach churning), while chemical digestion involves enzyme action to break down food components.

Question 28

What causes peptic ulcers?

Answer 28

Peptic ulcers are caused by H. pylori infection, NSAIDs, or excessive acid production, leading to sores in the stomach or small intestine.

Question 29

What is the role of the pancreas in digestion?

Answer 29

Produces digestive enzymes for protein, fat, and carbohydrate breakdown, and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acids.

Question 30

What is the effect of sympathetic activation on the GI system?

Answer 30

Inhibits digestion, decreases motility, and constricts blood vessels in the GI tract.

Question 31

What is the function of the large intestine?

Answer 31

Absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food, forming feces for excretion.

Question 32

What is the significance of intrinsic factor in the stomach?

Answer 32

Essential for Vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine.