PNS

Question 1

Describe the somatic nervous system

Answer 1

One motor neuron

Goes from spinal cord to skeletal muscle

Question 2

Describe the autonomic nervous system

Answer 2

2 neurons after spinal cord - via ganglion

Preganglionic motor neurone goes to ganglion, then postganglionic, then effector

Question 3

What are the effectors for somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Answer 3

Somatic - Skeletal muscle

Autonomic - Smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands

Question 4

What junctions are good drug targets for the somatic and autonomic NS?

Answer 4

Somatic - neuromuscular junction (between motor neurone and muscle)
Autonomic - ganglion (between pre and post ganglionic neurons)

Question 5

What neurotransmitter is released at the neuromuscular synapse (sympathetic NS)? How is it broken down?

Answer 5

Acetylcholine

Acetylcholinesterase

Question 6

What neurotransmitters are used in the sympathetic nervous system? Are these muscarinic or nicotinic receptors?

Answer 6

Adrenaline and noradrenaline

Nicotinic

Question 7

What neurotransmitters are used in the parasympathetic nervous system? Are these muscarinic or nicotinic receptors?

Answer 7

Acetylcholine
Nicotinic from preganglionic fibres to ganglia
Muscarinic from postganglionic fibre to effector

Question 8

What do adrenergic drugs do?

Answer 8

Inhibit, enhance or mimic action of adrenaline and noradrenaline