PHAR 736 (ANS)

Question 1

What is the effect of the adrenal medulla in the ANS?

Answer 1

Functions like a sympathetic ganglion but releases epinephrine into the bloodstream

Question 2

Describe differences in neurons between the autonomic (parasympathetic and sympathetic) and somatic nervous systems

Answer 2

Parasympathetic: Long pre-ganglionic neuron (release ACh) to Nueronal nicotinc receptor, targeting muscarinic receptor

Sympathetic: Long post-ganglionic neuron with Nn receptor, synapsing with adrenergic receptors (beta or alpha) and releasing NE OR pre-synaptic neuron synapse with Nn on adrenal medulla, stimulating release of EPI in bloodstream

Somatic: 1 neuron (no ganglia) releasing ACh on Nm (muscular nicotinic receptor) on striated muscle

Question 3

Dopamine is an important precursor to

Answer 3

NE and EPI

Question 4

EPI, NE and Dopamine are all ______________

Answer 4

Catecholamines (a catechol ring with an amine attached)

Subset includes histamine, serotonin and melatonin

Question 5

Sympathetic effects on body

Answer 5

Saliva increase (thicker saliva), pupil dilation, bronchiole dilation, speed up heart, adrenaline secretion, decrease stomach secretions and GI motility, retain colon contents and delay emptying

Question 6

Parasympathetic effects on body

Answer 6

Constrict bronchioles, slow down heart, increase stomach secretions and GI motility, empty the colon/bladder