Autonomic Nervous System Flashcards

1
Q

What is the visceral efferent component?

A

The autonomic nervous system (ANS)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What type of involuntary activities does the autonomic nervous system control?

A
  • Smooth muscle activity
  • Cardiac muscle activity
  • Various glands
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the 2 divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

A

Sympathetic and parasympathetic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Where are the cell bodies of pre-ganglionic neurons located in the parasympathetic division of the ANS?

A
  • Brainstem: CN 3, 7, 9, 10

- Sacral spinal cord: S 2, 3, 4

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Where are the cell bodies of pre-ganglionic neurons located in the sympathetic division of the ANS?

A
  • Thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord: T1 - L2
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Describe the pre and post ganglionic neurons in the parasympathetic NS

A

Long preganglionic neuron synapse with short postganglionic neuron near effector or in effector organ

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Describe the pre and post ganglionic neurons in the sympathetic NS

A

Preganglionic and postganglionic neurons are similar in length. Synapse in sympathetic chain or one of the collateral ganglia in the adrenal medulla

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe the effects the parasympathetic NS has on the body

A
  • Generally has discrete actions on single organs, in the body ‘core’: salivary glands, heart
  • Conservative, anabolic effects: storing energy, digestion, slowing the heart
  • Rest & digest
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe the effects the sympathetic NS has on the body

A
  • More widespread actions, often affecting the whole body (distribution of sympathetic nerves, circulating adrenaline)
  • Homeostasis: blood pressure, thermoregulation
  • Flight, fight or fright: meeting demands of active muscles, anxiety
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What effect does the sympathetic NS have on the iris (radial muscle, spinchter muscle)?

A

Contraction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What effect does the sympathetic NS have on the ciliary muscle of the eye?

A

Relaxation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What effect does the sympathetic NS have on salivary glands?

A

Secretion (viscous, low volume)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What effect does the sympathetic NS have on lacrimal glands?

A

Secretion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What effect does the sympathetic NS have on blood vessels?

A

Constriction (alpha)

Dilation (beta)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What effect does the parasympathetic NS have on the iris (radial muscle and sphincter muscle)?

A

Contraction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What effect does the parasympathetic NS have on the ciliary muscle?

A

Contraction

17
Q

What effect does the parasympathetic NS have on salivary glands?

A

Secretion (copious, watery)

18
Q

What effect does the parasympathetic NS have on lacrimal glands?

A

Secretion

19
Q

What effect does the parasympathetic NS have on nasal glands?

A

Secretion

20
Q

Which neurotransmitters are used in the parasympathetic NS?

A

Acetylcholine (ACh) - at pre and post ganglionic neuron synapse and also at post ganglionic neuron/effector synapse

21
Q

Which neurotransmitters are used in the sympathetic NS?

A

Acetylcholine (ACh) - at pre and post ganglionic neuron synapse
Noradrenaline at post-ganglionic neuron/effector synapse
Adrenaline released from adrenal medulla

22
Q

What is another name for adrenaline?

A

epinephrine

23
Q

What effects does noradrenaline have?

A

Depends on the receptor

1) alpha receptor: noradrenaline causes vasoconstriction
2) beta receptor: bronchodilation

24
Q

What effects does adrenaline have?

A

Depends on the receptor:

1) alpha-1 = contraction of smooth muscle
2) beta-2 = relaxation of smooth muscle
3) beta-1 = increase heart rate and force of heart contraction

25
Q

Which receptor do beta blockers act on?

A

Beta-1 receptors

Effects are restricted to the heart

26
Q

Why do many local anaesthetics contain adrenaline?

A

Used as a vasoconstrictor

Less blood to wash away anaesthetic -> prolongs activity of anaesthetic

27
Q

What are the 2 classes of cholinergic receptor?

A

Muscarinic and nicotinic

28
Q

Where are muscarinic receptors located?

A

Post-ganglionic/neuro-effector junctions

29
Q

What can muscarinic receptors be blocked by?

A

Atropine

30
Q

Where are nicotinic receptors located?

A
Pre-ganglionic/post-ganglionic synapse 
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs)
31
Q

What type of receptor does acetylcholine act on?

A

Cholinergic receptors: muscarinic and nicotinic

32
Q

Many organs in the head, thorax, abdomen and pelvis receive both sympathetic and parasympathetic supply. They usually have opposing effects. How is control achieved?

A

By balancing the effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous supply

33
Q

Blood vessels and glands in the periphery (e.g. skin) receive sympathetic supply only. How is control achieved?

A

Varying amount of activity in sympathetic neurons