Autonomic Nervous System

Question 1

How do autonomic efferent neurones differ from that of the somatic nervous system?

Answer 1

Sequence of two neurones between the CNS and the innervated structure.

i.e. preganglionic and postganglionic neurone.

Question 2

Iris of the eye

Sympathetic

Answer 2

Dilates pupil

Question 3

Iris of the eye

PNS

Answer 3

Constricts pupil

Question 4

Ciliary muscle

SNS affect

Answer 4

Relaxes

Question 5

Ciliary muscle

PNS

Answer 5

Contracts

Question 6

Where are preganglionic sympathetic neurones exclusively found?

Answer 6

Thoracolumbar (L2-3)

In the lateral horn of the spinal grey matter.

Question 7

How do preganglionic sympathetic axons leave the spinal cord?

Answer 7

Ventral nerve roots to join the spinal nerve.

Question 8

Where are postganglionic sympathetic nerve cell bodies found?

Answer 8

Either the paravertebral sympathetic chain or the plexus that surround the main branches of the abdominal aorta.

Question 9

How are ganglia of the sympathetic chain linked to spinal nerves which cntain sympathetic outflow?

Answer 9

By two small nerves, the rami communicantes.

Question 10

How do preganglionic fibres enter the sympathetic chain?

Answer 10

Via the white ramus communicantes (myelinated)

Whereas postganglionic fibres are unmyelinated.

Question 11

Superior cervical ganglion innervates

Answer 11

Eye

Lacrimal gland

Mucous membranes of nose and palate

Parotid gland

Submandibular and sublingual glands

Question 12

Coeliac ganglion innervates

Answer 12

Oesophagus

Stomach

Small intestine

Liver

Large intestine via the superior mesenteric ganglion

Question 13

Inferior mesenteric ganglion innervates

Answer 13

Distal large intestine

Kidney

Bladder

Reproductive organs

Question 14

Neurotransmitter of preganglionic sympathetic nerves?

Answer 14

ACh

Question 15

Transmitter of postganglionic sympathetic neurones

Answer 15

Noradrenaline (sweat glands are cholinergic)

Question 16

How is the innervation of the adrenal medulla exceptional

Answer 16

It is directly innervated by preganglionic sympathetic neurones

Question 17

Priamry autonomic failure

Answer 17

Chronic degenerative disease of the nervous system that leads to fainting through failure to control HR and BP.

Incontinence of bladder and bowel

Impotence

Question 18

Horner’s syndrome

Answer 18

Ptosis

Miosis

Caused by damage to the sympathetic innervation of the eye.

Question 19

Where can the sympathetic chains innervating the eye be damaged

Answer 19

As they descend in brainstem

Spinal cord

As they emerge in the first thoracic nerve root

As thy ascend in the sympathetic plexus around the carotid arteries

Question 20

Which cranial nerves have parasympathetic components

Answer 20

Oculomotor

Facial

GPA

Vagus

Question 21

Where are parasympathetic nerves found in the SC?

Answer 21

Third and fourth sacral segments.

Question 22

What are the parasympathetic ganglia of the head?

Answer 22

Ciliary

Pterygopalatine

Submandibular

Otic

Question 23

Which organs are innervated by the sacral outflow of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 23

Pelvic- bladder, reptorudctive organs

Question 24

Myenteric plexus

Answer 24

Auerbach’s

Question 25

Submucosal plexus

Answer 25

Meissner's

Question 26

Where are the cell bodies of the preganglionic sympathetic neurones found?

Answer 26

Lateral horn of SC