Multiple Choice
The white rami communicantes connect the spinal nerves to which part of the sympathetic nervous system?
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14. The Autonomic Nervous System
Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System
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The preganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic division originate in the ______.
A
cervical spinal cord
B
thoracic and lumbar spinal cord
C
brainstem and sacral spinal cord
D
sympathetic chain ganglia
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the organization of the autonomic nervous system, which is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. The parasympathetic division is responsible for 'rest and digest' functions, while the sympathetic division handles 'fight or flight' responses.
Recall that preganglionic neurons are the first neurons in the autonomic pathway. They originate in the central nervous system (CNS) and synapse with postganglionic neurons in peripheral ganglia.
Identify the anatomical origin of the parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. These neurons originate in two specific regions: the brainstem (cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X) and the sacral spinal cord (S2-S4).
Compare this with the sympathetic division, where preganglionic neurons originate in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord (T1-L2) and synapse in the sympathetic chain ganglia or other ganglia.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'brainstem and sacral spinal cord,' as these are the regions where parasympathetic preganglionic neurons originate.
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