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Study Guide: The Autonomic Nervous System (A&P - BIOL 2401, Chapter 16)

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Q1. How is the autonomic nervous system organized? How is that organization different from the somatic nervous system?

Background

Topic: Organization of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) vs. Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

This question tests your understanding of the structural and functional differences between the ANS and SNS, including their pathways, effectors, and neurotransmitters.

Key Terms and Concepts:

  • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Controls involuntary functions (e.g., heart rate, digestion).

  • Somatic Nervous System (SNS): Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

  • Preganglionic neuron: The first neuron in the ANS pathway, originating in the CNS.

  • Postganglionic neuron: The second neuron, connecting the ganglion to the target organ.

  • Autonomic ganglia: Clusters of neuronal cell bodies in the ANS pathway.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Start by describing the basic pathway of the ANS: a two-neuron chain (preganglionic and postganglionic neurons) connecting the CNS to the effector organs.

  2. Contrast this with the SNS, which typically uses a single motor neuron to connect the CNS directly to skeletal muscle.

  3. Identify the effectors for each system: ANS targets smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands; SNS targets skeletal muscle.

  4. Consider the neurotransmitters used: ANS uses acetylcholine and norepinephrine; SNS uses only acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.

Try explaining the differences in your own words before checking the answer!

Q2. Define: Ganglionic neuron, Preganglionic fiber, Postganglionic fiber, Autonomic ganglia

Background

Topic: Key Terminology of the Autonomic Nervous System

This question checks your understanding of the basic structural components of the ANS.

Key Terms:

  • Ganglionic neuron

  • Preganglionic fiber

  • Postganglionic fiber

  • Autonomic ganglia

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. For each term, write a concise definition in your own words.

  2. Think about where each structure is located in the ANS pathway (e.g., CNS, PNS, between CNS and target organ).

  3. Consider the function of each component (e.g., which one transmits signals from the CNS, which one synapses with the effector).

Try defining each term before revealing the answer!

Q3. What are the divisions of the autonomic nervous system? List the main differences between the two divisions. Be specific about the difference regarding the preganglionic neurons, ganglia, and target organs.

Background

Topic: Divisions of the ANS (Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic)

This question tests your ability to distinguish between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, focusing on their anatomical and functional differences.

Key Concepts:

  • Sympathetic Division: "Fight or flight" responses.

  • Parasympathetic Division: "Rest and digest" responses.

  • Preganglionic neurons: Location and length differ between divisions.

  • Ganglia: Location and structure differ.

  • Target organs: Both divisions often innervate the same organs but have opposite effects.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the two main divisions of the ANS.

  2. For each division, describe the origin of preganglionic neurons (e.g., thoracolumbar for sympathetic, craniosacral for parasympathetic).

  3. Compare the location and structure of ganglia in each division.

  4. Discuss the general length of pre- and postganglionic fibers in each division.

  5. Identify the main target organs and the general effects of each division.

Try outlining the differences before checking the answer!

Q4. For the sympathetic system, list the three locations of the ganglionic neurons. What are the main characteristics of each ganglia?

Background

Topic: Sympathetic Ganglia

This question focuses on the anatomical organization of the sympathetic division, specifically the locations and features of its ganglia.

Key Terms:

  • Sympathetic chain ganglia

  • Collateral ganglia

  • Adrenal medullae

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Identify the three main locations of sympathetic ganglionic neurons.

  2. For each type, describe its anatomical location relative to the spinal cord and target organs.

  3. List the main characteristics and functions of each ganglia type.

Try listing and describing each ganglia before revealing the answer!

Q5. Which hormone is released in the sympathetic preganglionic neurons?

Background

Topic: Neurotransmitters of the Sympathetic Division

This question tests your knowledge of the chemical messengers used in the sympathetic pathway.

Key Concept:

  • Preganglionic neurons release a specific neurotransmitter at the synapse with postganglionic neurons.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the neurotransmitter released by sympathetic preganglionic neurons at the autonomic ganglia.

  2. Consider how this neurotransmitter differs from what is released by postganglionic neurons.

Try recalling the neurotransmitter before checking the answer!

Q6. What is varicosity? Which hormones are released in this area?

Background

Topic: Neurotransmitter Release in the ANS

This question examines your understanding of how neurotransmitters are released from autonomic neurons and the structure involved.

Key Terms:

  • Varicosity: Swellings along the axon of autonomic neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what a varicosity is in the context of the ANS.

  2. Identify the main neurotransmitters (hormones) released from varicosities in the sympathetic division.

Try defining and listing the neurotransmitters before revealing the answer!

Q7. What are the two main hormones used in the sympathetic stimulation?

Background

Topic: Sympathetic Neurotransmitters

This question tests your knowledge of the primary chemical messengers involved in sympathetic responses.

Key Terms:

  • Epinephrine (adrenaline)

  • Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the two main hormones released during sympathetic activation.

  2. Consider where each hormone is released (e.g., from postganglionic neurons or adrenal medulla).

Try naming the hormones before checking the answer!

Q8. What are the two main adrenergic membrane receptors for the sympathetic system?

Background

Topic: Adrenergic Receptors

This question focuses on the types of receptors that respond to sympathetic neurotransmitters.

Key Terms:

  • Alpha receptors (α)

  • Beta receptors (β)

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the two main classes of adrenergic receptors found on target organs in the sympathetic system.

  2. Briefly describe the general effects of activating each receptor type.

Try listing and describing the receptors before revealing the answer!

Q9. Define sympathetic activation

Background

Topic: Sympathetic Activation

This question asks you to explain what happens during a generalized sympathetic response.

Key Concept:

  • Sympathetic activation refers to the coordinated response of the body to stress or emergency situations.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what is meant by sympathetic activation.

  2. List some physiological changes that occur during sympathetic activation (e.g., increased heart rate, pupil dilation).

Try defining and listing effects before checking the answer!

Q10. List the main characteristics of the alpha receptors. Be specific about types and different locations.

Background

Topic: Alpha Adrenergic Receptors

This question tests your understanding of the subtypes, locations, and functions of alpha receptors in the sympathetic system.

Key Terms:

  • Alpha-1 (α1) receptors

  • Alpha-2 (α2) receptors

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Identify the two main types of alpha receptors.

  2. Describe where each type is typically found in the body.

  3. List the main effects of activating each receptor type.

Try outlining the characteristics before revealing the answer!

Q11. List the main characteristics of the beta receptors. Be specific about types and different locations.

Background

Topic: Beta Adrenergic Receptors

This question focuses on the subtypes, locations, and functions of beta receptors in the sympathetic system.

Key Terms:

  • Beta-1 (β1) receptors

  • Beta-2 (β2) receptors

  • Beta-3 (β3) receptors

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the three main types of beta receptors.

  2. Describe the typical locations of each receptor type in the body.

  3. Summarize the main effects of activating each receptor type.

Try outlining the characteristics before revealing the answer!

Q12. List the main structures that make up the parasympathetic division of the ANS.

Background

Topic: Parasympathetic Division Anatomy

This question tests your knowledge of the anatomical components of the parasympathetic division.

Key Terms:

  • Cranial nerves (III, VII, IX, X)

  • Sacral spinal nerves

  • Preganglionic and postganglionic neurons

  • Terminal ganglia

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the cranial and sacral nerves involved in the parasympathetic division.

  2. Identify the types of ganglia and neurons present in this division.

Try listing the structures before revealing the answer!

Q13. How is the parasympathetic division organized?

Background

Topic: Parasympathetic Pathways

This question asks you to describe the pathway and organization of the parasympathetic division.

Key Concepts:

  • Origin of preganglionic neurons (craniosacral)

  • Long preganglionic and short postganglionic fibers

  • Terminal ganglia near or within target organs

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe where the preganglionic neurons originate.

  2. Explain the relative lengths of pre- and postganglionic fibers.

  3. Discuss the location of parasympathetic ganglia.

Try outlining the organization before revealing the answer!

Q14. List the major effects of the parasympathetic activation.

Background

Topic: Parasympathetic Effects

This question tests your understanding of the physiological changes that occur during parasympathetic activation.

Key Concepts:

  • "Rest and digest" responses

  • Decreased heart rate, increased digestion, etc.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List several major effects of parasympathetic activation on the body.

  2. Consider how these effects counteract sympathetic activation.

Try listing the effects before revealing the answer!

Q15. List the main hormone, the membrane receptors, and their responses for the parasympathetic division.

Background

Topic: Parasympathetic Neurotransmitters and Receptors

This question focuses on the chemical signaling in the parasympathetic division.

Key Terms:

  • Acetylcholine (ACh)

  • Muscarinic receptors

  • Nicotinic receptors

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Identify the main neurotransmitter used in the parasympathetic division.

  2. List the two main types of cholinergic receptors and where they are found.

  3. Describe the general responses produced by activating each receptor type.

Try outlining the neurotransmitter and receptors before revealing the answer!

Q16. What is dual innervation?

Background

Topic: Dual Innervation

This question tests your understanding of how organs receive input from both divisions of the ANS.

Key Concept:

  • Most organs are innervated by both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers, often with opposing effects.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define dual innervation in the context of the ANS.

  2. Give an example of an organ that receives dual innervation and describe the effects of each division.

Try defining and giving an example before revealing the answer!

Q17. What is autonomic tone and what is its importance?

Background

Topic: Autonomic Tone

This question asks you to explain the concept of baseline autonomic activity and its physiological significance.

Key Concept:

  • Autonomic tone refers to the continuous level of spontaneous activity in autonomic neurons.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define autonomic tone.

  2. Explain why having a baseline level of activity is important for rapid adjustments in organ function.

Try explaining the concept before revealing the answer!

Q18. What are visceral reflexes?

Background

Topic: Visceral Reflexes

This question tests your understanding of the reflex pathways that control involuntary organ functions.

Key Terms:

  • Visceral reflex: An automatic response that controls the function of internal organs.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what a visceral reflex is.

  2. Describe the basic components of a visceral reflex arc (receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, effector).

  3. Give an example of a visceral reflex (e.g., baroreceptor reflex for blood pressure).

Try defining and giving an example before revealing the answer!

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