Patho of ANS Pt:1

Question 1

What is the function of the ANS?

Answer 1

ANS regulates involuntary processes in the body, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Question 2

Why is the ANS considered part of the PNS?

Answer 2

ANS is considered part of the PNS b/c it transmits sensory input and motor output b/w the brain and peripheral organs, regulating involuntary bodily functions.

Question 3

What are the 5 common components of the ANS?

Answer 3

Ganglia, pre-synaptic neurons, post-synaptic neurons, neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine), NT receptors (cholinergic, adrenergic).

Question 4

What neurotransmitters are involved in the ANS?

Answer 4

Ach, NE, E.

Question 5

What are the two types of cholinergic receptors in the ANS?

Answer 5

Nicotinic receptors, Muscarinic receptors.

Question 6

What is the main function of nicotinic receptors in the ANS?

Answer 6

Nicotinic receptors are located at the ganglionic postsynaptic neurons and in the adrenal medulla. They act as ligand-gated ion channels to transmit electrical impulses.

Question 7

What is the main function of muscarinic receptors in the ANS?

Answer 7

Muscarinic receptors are located on effector tissues (e.g., heart, smooth muscles) and mediate responses through G-protein-coupled receptor signaling, influencing body functions like heart rate and digestion.

Question 8

What are adrenergic receptors?

Answer 8

Adrenergic receptors receptors respond to the neurotransmitters NE and E. They include alpha and beta receptors that influence vascular tone, heart rate, and other physiological responses.

Question 9

What is the role of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the ANS?

Answer 9

Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors act as auto-inhibitory feedback mechanisms, reducing the synthesis, storage, and release of NE.

Question 10

What are some physiological effects of parasympathetic (wet) activation via the ANS?

Answer 10

Bronchoconstriction
Salivation
Lacrimation
Urination
Defecation
GI cramping
Emesis (vomiting)

Question 11

What are the effects of parasympathetic innervation on the lacrimal gland?

Answer 11

Parasympathetic activation increases the secretion of the lacrimal fluid (tears).

Question 12

What is the difference between the sympathetic (dry) and parasympathetic (wet) responses in the body?

Answer 12

Parasympathetic (wet): Rest and digest, promotes salivation, urination, digestion, and relaxation.
Sympathetic (dry): Fight or flight, increases heart rate, blood pressure, dilates pupils, inhibits digestion.

Question 13

How does sympathetic activity affect the heart?

Answer 13

Sympathetic activation increases heart rate (tachycardia), enhances conduction velocity (positive dromotropic effect), and increases myocardial contractility (positive inotropic effect).

Question 14

How does parasympathetic activity affect the heart?

Answer 14

Parasympathetic activation decreases heart rate (bradycardia), slows conduction velocity (negative dromotropic effect), and reduces myocardial contractility.

Question 15

What role does the sympathetic system play in vascular tone?

Answer 15

The sympathetic system maintains vascular tone by releasing NE and E, which promote vasoconstriction in the blood vessels.

Question 16

What is orthostatic hypotension?

Answer 16

A sudden decrease in blood pressure when standing up, often due to insufficient sympathetic response, causing dizziness and fainting.

Question 17

How does the ANS control the urinary bladder?

Answer 17

The ANS coordinates urinary continence (via sympathetic control) and urinary voiding (via parasympathetic control). Sympathetic stimulation relaxes the detrusor muscle and contracts the internal sphincter, while parasympathetic stimulation contracts the detrusor muscle for voiding.

Question 18

What is sluggish urinary bladder?

Answer 18

Difficulty emptying the bladder, often due to loss of parasympathetic function or nerve damage, leading to urinary retention and hesitancy.

Question 19

How does the sympathetic system affect the sweat glands?

Answer 19

Sweat glands are unique in being innervated by sympathetic fibers, which release Ach onto muscarinic receptors, promoting sweating.

Question 20

What are the effects of sympathetic activity on blood vessels?

Answer 20

Sympathetic activation leads to vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure and maintains vascular tone.

Question 21

How do adrenergic receptors affect vascular smooth muscle?

Answer 21

Adrenergic receptors (alpha-1) in vascular smooth muscle lead to vasoconstriction by increasing intracellular calcium levels.

Question 22

How does parasympathetic stimulation affect vascular smooth muscle?

Answer 22

Parasympathetic activity does not directly affect vascular smooth muscle, but it can induce vasodilation indirectly by acting on endothelial cells, releasing nitric oxide.

Question 23

What causes diabetic neuropathy to affect the bladder?

Answer 23

Diabetic neuropathy can impair parasympathetic nerve function, leading to a sluggish bladder, urinary retention, and potential urinary tract infections due to incomplete emptying.