ANP College Exam Review: Autonomic Nervous System, Sensory Systems, and Endocrine Concepts

Q1. What are the functions and names of the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Background

Topic: Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

This question tests your understanding of the basic structure and function of the ANS, which regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Key Terms:

• Sympathetic Division

• Parasympathetic Division

• "Fight or flight" vs "rest and digest" functions

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall the two main divisions of the ANS and their general names.

2. Think about the primary function of each division: one prepares the body for action, the other conserves energy.

3. List examples of physiological responses controlled by each division (e.g., heart rate, digestion).

4. Consider how these divisions interact to maintain homeostasis.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q2. Where are preganglionic and postganglionic fibers/cell bodies located in the ANS?

Background

Topic: ANS Anatomy

This question focuses on the anatomical locations of neurons in the autonomic nervous system.

Key Terms:

• Preganglionic neuron

• Postganglionic neuron

• Ganglion

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Identify where the cell bodies of preganglionic neurons are found (think CNS regions).

2. Determine where the cell bodies of postganglionic neurons are located (think ganglia outside the CNS).

3. Consider the differences between sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions in terms of neuron location.

4. Review diagrams or textbook figures to visualize these locations.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q3. What are the differences between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the somatic nervous system (SNS)?

Background

Topic: Nervous System Divisions

This question tests your ability to distinguish between the ANS and SNS in terms of structure and function.

Key Terms:

• Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

• Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

• Voluntary vs involuntary control

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall the main function of the SNS (voluntary control of skeletal muscles).

2. Recall the main function of the ANS (involuntary control of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands).

3. Compare the types of effectors each system targets.

4. Think about the number of neurons involved in each pathway (single vs two-neuron chain).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q4. Through which areas of the spinal cord do ANS signals run?

Background

Topic: ANS Pathways

This question is about the anatomical routes of autonomic signals in the spinal cord.

Key Terms:

• Thoracolumbar region

• Craniosacral region

• Sympathetic vs parasympathetic pathways

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Identify which spinal cord segments are associated with the sympathetic division.

2. Identify which segments are associated with the parasympathetic division.

3. Recall the terms "thoracolumbar" and "craniosacral" and what they refer to.

4. Review the anatomical diagrams for these pathways.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q5. What types of tissues are innervated by the ANS?

Background

Topic: ANS Effectors

This question tests your knowledge of the target tissues of the autonomic nervous system.

Key Terms:

• Smooth muscle

• Cardiac muscle

• Glands

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. List the main types of tissues controlled by the ANS.

2. Think about examples of organs or structures containing these tissues.

3. Consider how the ANS affects each tissue type (e.g., contraction, secretion).

4. Review the physiological outcomes of ANS innervation.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!