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Autonomic Nervous System and Memory - Anatomy & Physiology

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  • What is the somatic nervous system (SNS)?
    SNS controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.
  • What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?
    ANS controls involuntary actions of visceral effectors like smooth muscle, glands, and cardiac muscle.
  • Does the SNS require conscious awareness?
    Yes, SNS actions are under conscious control.
  • Does the ANS require conscious awareness?
    No, ANS actions occur without conscious control.
  • What controls ANS activity?
    The hypothalamus is the main control center for the ANS.
  • What is a preganglionic neuron?
    A neuron that extends from the CNS to a ganglion in the ANS.
  • What is a postganglionic neuron?
    A neuron that extends from a ganglion to the target organ in the ANS.
  • What is the sympathetic division of the ANS?
    The fight or flight division that prepares the body for stress.
  • What is the parasympathetic division of the ANS?
    The rest and digest division that conserves energy and promotes maintenance.
  • Where is the enteric nervous system located?
    A network of neurons in the walls of the digestive tract.
  • Does the enteric nervous system require the CNS to function?
    No, it can function independently of the CNS.
  • Where does the sympathetic division originate?
    From the thoracolumbar region of the spinal cord.
  • What are the fiber lengths in the sympathetic division?
    Short preganglionic fibers and long postganglionic fibers.
  • What carries preganglionic fibers in the sympathetic division?
    The white ramus carries preganglionic fibers.
  • What carries postganglionic fibers in the sympathetic division?
    The gray ramus carries postganglionic fibers.
  • Name some effects of sympathetic activation.
    Increased alertness, metabolic rate, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, decreased digestion and urinary function, and activation of sweat glands.
  • What are sympathetic chain ganglia?
    Ganglia located along the spinal column in the sympathetic division.
  • What is the role of the adrenal medulla?
    It releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream during sympathetic activation.
  • What neurotransmitter is released by sympathetic preganglionic neurons?
    Acetylcholine (ACh) is released by preganglionic neurons.
  • What neurotransmitter is mostly released by sympathetic postganglionic neurons?
    Norepinephrine (NE) is mostly released by postganglionic neurons.
  • When do sympathetic postganglionic neurons release ACh?
    When stimulating sweat glands instead of NE.
  • What do alpha adrenergic receptors do?
    They have an excitatory effect on smooth muscle.
  • What do beta adrenergic receptors do?
    They increase heart rate and metabolism.
  • Where does the parasympathetic division originate?
    From the craniosacral regions of the CNS.
  • What are the fiber lengths in the parasympathetic division?
    Long preganglionic fibers and short postganglionic fibers.
  • Where are parasympathetic ganglia located?
    Near or within the target organs.
  • Name some effects of parasympathetic activation.
    Decreased metabolic rate, heart rate, blood pressure, increased digestion, secretion, urination, and defecation, pupil constriction, and bronchoconstriction.
  • What neurotransmitter is used by all parasympathetic neurons?
    All parasympathetic neurons release acetylcholine (ACh).
  • Where are nicotinic receptors found in the parasympathetic system?
    On ganglionic neurons.
  • Where are muscarinic receptors found in the parasympathetic system?
    On target organs.
  • What is dual innervation?
    Most organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
  • Which ANS division has more widespread effects?
    The sympathetic division affects the whole body.
  • Which ANS division is more localized?
    The parasympathetic division has more localized effects.
  • What is autonomic tone?
    The baseline level of activity in the ANS.
  • Which division controls heart rate at rest?
    The parasympathetic division slows the heart at rest.
  • Which division controls heart rate during stress?
    The sympathetic division increases heart rate during stress.
  • Which division controls blood vessels?
    Only the sympathetic division controls blood vessels.
  • What are visceral reflexes?
    Automatic, involuntary responses of the ANS.
  • What is a long visceral reflex?
    A reflex that passes through the CNS.
  • What is a short visceral reflex?
    A reflex that bypasses the CNS and acts locally.
  • Where are complex ANS reflexes controlled?
    In the brainstem.
  • Who regulates overall ANS activity?
    The hypothalamus.
  • What is fact memory?
    Memory of specific information.
  • What is skill memory?
    Memory of learned movements.
  • What is short-term memory?
    Temporary memory lasting seconds to minutes.
  • What is long-term memory?
    Permanent memory stored for long durations.
  • What is secondary memory?
    Long-term memory that fades over time.
  • What is tertiary memory?
    Long-term memory that is permanent.
  • What brain area forms new memories?
    The hippocampus.
  • Where are memories stored?
    In the cerebral cortex.
  • What is retrograde amnesia?
    Loss of past memories.
  • What is anterograde amnesia?
    Inability to form new memories.
  • What helps memory formation?
    Increased neurotransmitter release, synaptic changes, and new connections.
  • What is NREM sleep?
    Deep, restorative sleep.
  • What is REM sleep?
    Sleep stage associated with dreaming.
  • What brain waves occur in deep sleep?
    Delta waves.
  • What hormone induces sleep?
    Melatonin.
  • What builds sleep pressure?
    Adenosine.
  • What is narcolepsy?
    Sudden onset of REM sleep.
  • What is insomnia?
    Inability to fall or stay asleep.
  • What is sleep apnea?
    Temporary cessation of breathing during sleep.
  • What happens to brain volume with aging?
    Brain volume decreases.
  • What happens to neurons and neurotransmitters with aging?
    Both decrease.
  • What happens to blood flow in the brain with aging?
    Blood flow decreases.
  • What is the effect of low serotonin?
    Associated with depression.
  • What causes Parkinson's disease?
    Low levels of dopamine.