Pharmacology: autonomic nervous system

Question 1

what 2 systems is the ANS divided into

Answer 1

sympathetic and parasympathetic

Question 2

what do sympathetic nerves usually signal for

Answer 2

fight or flight, eg stress repsonses

Question 3

what do parasympathetic nerves usually signal for

Answer 3

rest and digest

Question 4

what is the preganglionic neurotransmitter for sympathetic nerves, and what does it act on

Answer 4

ACh, acting on nicotinic receptors(ligand-gated)

Question 5

what is the postganglionic neurotransmitter for sympathetic nerves, and what does it act on

Answer 5

usually NA, act on alpha or beta adrenergic receptors(G protein coupled)

Question 6

where do sympathetic nerves outflow from CNS

Answer 6

throacolumbar

Question 7

describe the length of the pre- and post-ganglionic neurons of sympathetic nerves

Answer 7

short preganglionic

long postganglionic

Question 8

where do sympathetic nerves synapse at

Answer 8

para/prevertebral ganglion and long secondary neuron to the effector organ

Question 9

what is the outflow of the parasympathetic nerves from the CNS

Answer 9

cranial/sacral

Question 10

what is the pre and post ganglionic neurotransmitter for parasympathetic nerves

Answer 10

ACh

Question 11

how do parasympathetic nerves act at the ganglion

Answer 11

via nicotinic ACh receptors which are ligand-gated

Question 12

how do parasympathetic nerves act at the effector organ

Answer 12

via muscarinic ACh receptors which are G protein coupled

Question 13

describe the length of the pre and post ganglionic neurons of a parasympathetic nerve

Answer 13

long preganglionic

short postganglionic