Session 8: Autonomic Nervous System

Question 1

What does the ANS control?

Answer 1

Involuntary functions

Question 2

What are the two anatomically defined defined divisions of the ANS?

Answer 2

1. Parasympathetic

2. Sympathetic

Question 3

How is the sympathetic nervous system described?

Answer 3

Fight or flight

Question 4

How is the parasympathetic nervous system described?

Answer 4

Rest and digest

Question 5

Which of the anatomical deviations of the brainstem and spinal chord are sympathetic?

Answer 5

T- Thoracic

L- Lumber

Question 6

Which of the anatomical deviations of the brainstem and spinal chord are parasympathetic?

Answer 6

M- Medullary

S- Sacral

Question 7

What is the name of the nerve that is particularly important in regulating the heart?

Answer 7

Vagus Nerve

Question 8

Describe 3 features of parasympathetic nerves.

Answer 8

1. Long myelinated preganglion nerves
2. Short myelinated postganglion nerves
3. Ganglia located in innervated tissue

Question 9

Describe 3 features of sympathetic nerves.

Answer 9

1. Short preganglion nerves
2. Long postganglion nerves
3. Ganglia located close to spinal chord

Question 10

What type of receptor are nicotinic Ach receptors?

Answer 10

Ligand gated Ion channel

Question 11

Name 2 specialised sympathetic post ganglion nerves that are cholinergic.

Answer 11

1. Sweat glands

2. Hair follicles

Question 12

What are NANC?

Answer 12

Non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic transmitters

Question 13

Give 3 examples of NANC transmitters.

Answer 13

1. ATP
2. NO
3. Serotonin

Question 14

Describe the hormonal aspect of the sympathetic nervous system.

Answer 14

The adrenal medulla produces adrenaline.

Question 15

How are sympathetic postganglion neurons in the adrenal gland different?

Answer 15

• Differentiate to form neurosecretory chromaffin cells
• do not project to target tissue
• instead these cells release adrenaline