L12 - ANS Flashcards
What are four characteristics of the ANS?
- autonomous
- unconscious control e.g. digestion, cardiovascular system, glands
- rest: parasympathetic
- activity: sympathetic
Is one branch of the ANS ever at 100% activity while the other branch is at 0% activity or are the branches balanced?
there is a dynamic balance between the autonomic branches
Where do sympathetic neurons originate?
from the spinal cord
Where do parasympathetic neurons originate?
from the brainstem and sacral roots
How close are sympathetic preganglionic neurons to the CNS?
closer to CNS, further from target
How close are parasympathetic preganglionic neurons to the CNS?
further from CNS, closer to target
What is an exception found in the sympathetic nervous system in regards to the location of preganglionic neurons?
travel directly to and are located within adrenal glands (modified PG neurons)
Where is acetylcholine used?
all autonomic preganglionic terminals
parasympathetic postganglionic terminals
Where is noradrenaline used? (= norepinephrine)
sympathetic postganglionic terminals
What is adrenaline (= epinephrine)?
hormone released into general circulation from adrenal glands
Which neurotransmitter is sympathetic and parasympathetic preganglionic?
acetylcholine
Which neurotransmitter is parasympathetic postganglionic?
acetylcholine
Which neurotransmitter is sympathetic postganglionic?
noradrenaline
What are the two types of cholinergic receptors?
nicotinic receptors and muscarinic receptors
Where are nicotinic receptors found?
sympathetic and parasympathetic postganglionic cells