Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System

Question 1

what are the two systems of the autonomic NS?

Answer 1

sympathetic and parasympathetic

• often have opposing effects on the organs
• some tissues have a single nerve supply:
  
  • blood vessels, eye muscles, SM, sweat glands, ciliary

Question 2

what does the ANS effect?

Answer 2

digestion, airways, HR, secretion, excretion

Question 3

what is are ganglia?

Answer 3

where the first neurone ends, releases Ach and where the second neurone starts

Question 4

describe the nerves of the parasympathetic and sympathetic NS

Answer 4

• PS: Ach system with long nerves

- S: NA system (except sweat glands=Ach) with short nerves

Question 5

where do PS nerves come from?

Answer 5

either form the cranial nerves (pupil, facial glands, parotid glands, heart, kidneys, bronchi) or sacral nerves (GI tracts, bladder, genitalia)

Question 6

where fo S nerves come from?

Answer 6

either from thoracic or lumbar regions of the SC (nerves to pupil, facial glands, heart, lungs, sweat glands)

Question 7

what are examples of non adrenergic non cholinergic (NANC) transmitters?

Answer 7

• ATP/neuropeptide Y (NPY): stored w NA and is a post ganglionic sympathetic neurone that causes vasoconstriction
• vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP): dilation of salivary glands and bronchial SM
• nitric oxide (NO): parasympathetic pelvic nerves cause erection