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Bio 168 Autonomic Nervous System Study Guide
Fall Semester 2003

Learning Objectives, Topics, Key Words



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Reading: Martini, Chapter 16

 

1. Understand the structural and functional differences between somatic and autonomic

nervous systems.

somatic efferents --> innervate skeletal muscle

somatic = ‘conscious’

action is always excitatory

single peripheral synapse

autonomic efferents --> innervate glands, smooth muscle, cardiac muscle (i.e., visceral)

autonomic = ‘unconscious’

often, sympathetic opposes parasympathetic (inhibition/excitation)

somatic only excitatory

at least two peripheral synapses

2. Identify the principal structural features of the ANS.

preganglionic neuron (CNS)

myelinated axon

postganglionic neuron (PNS)

unmyelinated axon

parasympathetic: preganglionics are cranio-sacral

sympathetic: preganglionics are thoraco-lumbar

autonomic ganglia (in PNS)

sympathetic ganglia (generally near the CNS)

sympathetic trunk

paravertebral ganglia

prevertebral ganglia (e.g. , splanchnic)

parasympathetic ganglia

terminal ganglia (near or in end organ)

3. Compare the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS (anatomy, physiology, neurotransmitters).

parasympathetic

mainly viscera

"SLUD" [mnemonic for some functions controlled by parasympathetics]

sympathetic

cervical ganglia

viscera and skin

"fight or flight"

 

4. Describe the various postsynaptic receptors involved in autonomic responses.

parasympathetic (neurotransmitter is acetylcholine (ACh) at all synapses)

nicotinic receptors in ganglia

muscarinic receptors at end organ

sympathetic

nicotinic cholinergic receptors in ganglia

adrenergic receptors on cells of end organ (neurotransmitter is norepinephrine;

exception (at sweat glands): cholinergic

alpha, beta-1, beta-2 adrenergic receptors (receptor determines cellular response)

alpha = vasoconstriction

beta-1 = increase heart rate

beta-2 = relax airway smooth muscle

 

 

5. Describe the components of a visceral autonomic reflex.

afferent: visceral receptor (e.g., stretch receptor in the bladder wall)

spinal interneurons

pre- and post-ganglionic neurons

effector: e.g. smooth muscle of bladder)

 

6. Give examples of the control of the ANS by ‘higher centers’.

cerebrum (e.g., fright, biofeedback)

hypothalamus (e.g., temperature, blood pressure)


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Durham Technical Community College
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Last updated 11 November 2003