Session 2 - Physiology and Development Flashcards
Describe the neuronal structure of the autonomic nervous system?
The cell bodies reside in the CNS. Each pathway = 2 neurones -Preganglionic -Postganglionic (Preganglionic synapse with post ganglionic)
Which neurotransmitters are released by the pre and post ganglionic fibres of the ANS?
Pre ganglionic = Ach
Post ganglionic = Ach, Neuropeptides & Norepinephrine
Describe the presynaptic splanchnic nerves and their roots.
Greater (T5-9)
Lesser (T10-11)
Least (T12)
Which ganglia do the splanchnic nerves synapse with?
With Pre-vertebral ganglia
What is the main effect of sympathetic nerves of the GI?
To control blood flow to the various organs.
E.g. fight/flight to reduce blood flow to the GI
Where do parasympathetic nerves originate from?
Cranial-sacral outflow.
Nerves come from cranium.
And from the sacrum.
Which parasympathetic nerves innervate the gut?
Vagus nerve - main
Some pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-4)
How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system affect the guy differently?
Sympathetic
Reduce blood flow, slow gut activity. (Shut down)
Parasympathetic
Stimulates the gut - causing digestion/ movement.
Where do parasympathetic fibres synapse?
Long pre-synaptic, synapse at the organ (viscera)
Which part of the gut do the left and right vagus nerves give parasympathetic innervation to?
Left Vagus = Anterior
Right Vagus = Posterior
What is a ganglion?
A collection of nerve cell bodies, in the sympathetic nervous system, the nerves usually synapse here.
What is the enteric nervous system?
A division of the nervous system.
Exists from oesophagus to anus.
Can operate independently.
Which are the two major plexuses of the enteric nervous system?
Submucosal (Meissner’s)
-submucosa
Myenteric (Auerbach’s)
-In between circular and longitudinal muscle
What does the submucosal plexus control?
Local blood flow/ secretions etc in epithelial area.
What does the myenteric plexus control?
Muscular control / motility
What are enteroendocrine cells?
The many cells of the GI tract that secrete hormones.
Often within crypts.
What are enterochromafin like cells?
Cells that secrete histamine in GI
How do hormones from the GI go on to affect the organs of the GI?
Released into portal circulation
Through liver
Into systemic circulation
Then affect the target organs (in GI)
What is the function of cholecystokinin?
Stimulates gall bladder to contract, pancreas to release enzymes and relaxes sphincter to allow the products to be secreted in the gut.
What is the function of Gastrin?
Secreted by G-cells in antrum of stomach.
Increases gastric acid secretion.
Which two hormones are in the Gastrin family?
Gastrin
Cholecystokinin
Which two hormones are in the Secretin family?
Secretin
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide
Where is secretin secreted? What is it’s function?
S cells in duodenum.
Stimulated by H+ and fatty acids.
Increases HCO3 secretion from pancreas/gall badder.
Decreases gastric acid secretion.
What is the function of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)?
Increases insulin secretion, decreases gastric acid secretion.
From cells in duodenum/jejunum
Stimulated by sugars, amino acids, fatty acids
Why would a case of appendicitis initially cause central abdominal pain?
Visceral peritoneum becomes distended/inflamed.
Visceral peritoneum hasn’t got its own sensory nerve supply.
Afferent sensory nerve follows splanchnic nerves to the roots.
In appendicitis - least splanchnic nerve (T10-11 - small intestine to transverse colon)
Body makes assumption that pain is from T10 dermatome, and thus gives midline pain.