Neuroanatomy: Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous System

Question 1

Where are preganglionic parasympathetic neurons found? What is their neurotransmitter? Are their axons long or short?

Answer 1

They are found in the brain stem. They have long axons (need enough to leave CNS and synaptic ganglionic neurons of the target) and use acetylcholine as the neurotransmitter.

Question 2

Where will you find the parasympathetic ganglia?

Answer 2

They are associated with cranial nerves in head.

Question 3

Where are ganglionic parasympathetic neurons found? What is their neurotransmitter? Are their axons long or short?

Answer 3

within the wall of the organ. They have short axons ( very near targets), and use acetylcholine as neurotransmitter

Question 4

Parasympathetic Nervous System Cranial Nerves

Answer 4

CN 3 (Oculomotor), CN7 (Facial), CN9 (Glossopharyngeal), CN10 (Vagus)

Question 5

Where are preganglionic sympathetic neurons found? What is their neurotransmitter? Are their axons long or short?

Answer 5

Found in Intermediolateral cell column (IML). Have short axons (from spinal chord to chain) and have acetylcholine as neurotransmitter.

Question 6

Where will you find the sympathetic chain ganglia?

Answer 6

Extends from base of skull to the coccyx, located ventral and lateral to the spinal chord

Question 7

Where are ganglionic sympathetic neurons found? What is their neurotransmitter? Are their axons long or short?

Answer 7

Found in sympathetic chain, have long ganglionic axons, and norepinephrine as neurotransmitter.