parasympathetic division (Craniosacral)

Question 1

parasympathetic division

Answer 1

• chemical neurotransmitter= acetylcholine

- fibers are termed cholinergic

Question 2

Why is the parasympathetic division generally suppressive? what are its characteristics?

Answer 2

• helps maintain quiet activity; metabolic recovery.
• decreases HR/BP, constricts pupils, increases digestive activity, normalizes respiratory rate/volume and enables sexual arousal
• Fibers do not merge with or travel in spinal nerves

Question 3

Cranial Fibers

Answer 3

A). long preganglionic fibers, short postganglionic fibers.
B). arise in brain and travel with four cranial nerves:
-oculomotor, facial, glossopharyngeal, vagus
C). form four terminal ganglia in head near visceral effector
D). postganglionic fibers end in iris, salivary glands, heart, bronchioles, g.i. tract and gallbladder.

Question 4

Sacral Fibers

Answer 4

• long preganglionic fibers, short postganglionic fibers exit from ventral roots at S-2 through S-4, then travel independently to ganglia.
• terminal ganglia near visceral effector;not paravertebral
• postganglionic fibers end in pelvic viscera (colon, bladder, genitalia, and reproductive tract)