Overview of Autonomic Targets

Question 1

Cranial nerve 3…
Where does the parasympathetic preganglionic neuron synapse?
Where does the postganglionic neuron go?

Answer 1

Synapses in ciliary ganglion

Postganglionic goes into eye (intra-ocular muscles; NOT ones that move the eye, but the ones INSIDE)

Question 2

Cranial nerve 7…
Where does the parasympathetic preganglionic neuron synapse?
Where does the postganglionic neuron go?

Answer 2

Synapses in pterygopalatine ganglion
Postganglionic neurons go to...
-lacrimal glands
-nasal cavity glands
-oral cavity glands
Synapses in submandibular ganglion
Postganglionic neurons go to...
-sublingual gland
-submanibular gland

Question 3

Cranial nerve 9…
Where does the parasympathetic preganglionic neuron synapse?
Where does the postganglionic neuron go?

Answer 3

Synapses in otic ganglion

Postganglionic neurons go to parotid gland (saliva; digestive purposes)

Question 4

Cranial nerve 10…
Where does the parasympathetic preganglionic neuron synapse?
Where does the postganglionic neuron go?

Answer 4

Preganglionic neurons go down to organs and synapse in intramural ganglion (INSIDE TARGET STRUCTURE)

Question 5

The vagus nerve synapses inside what organs?

Answer 5

Pharynx
Larynx
Esophagus
Viscera (FOREGUT and MIDGUT)

Question 6

What is the very “top” of the most superior portion of the sympathetic trunk?

Answer 6

the superior cervical ganglion of sympathetic chain/trunk

Question 7

Sympathetic preganglionic fibers emerge from thoracic region, go into the sympathetic chain, go up the sympathetic chain, reach the superior cervical ganglion, synapse, then what happens?

Answer 7

They send their postganglionic fibers out to be carried by some of the other cranial nerves to reach the target structures