Chapters 14 & 15 Flashcards
(21 cards)
What are the main differences between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems?
Craniosacral vs. thoracolumbar
The parasympathetic system originates from the brainstem and sacral spinal cord, while the sympathetic system originates from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord.
What distinguishes the autonomic nervous system from the somatic nervous system?
Differences in effectors and effector pathways; role of ganglion
The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions, while the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements.
What are the target organ responses in the autonomic nervous system?
Preganglionic vs. postganglionic neurotransmitter release
Preganglionic fibers release acetylcholine, while postganglionic fibers may release acetylcholine or norepinephrine.
What are cholinergic fibers and where are they found?
Fibers that release acetylcholine
Found in the parasympathetic nervous system and some sympathetic pathways.
What are adrenergic fibers and where are they found?
Fibers that release norepinephrine
Primarily found in the sympathetic nervous system.
What types of receptors pair with cholinergic fibers?
Muscarinic and nicotinic receptors
Muscarinic receptors are found on target organs, while nicotinic receptors are found at ganglia.
What types of receptors pair with adrenergic fibers?
Alpha and beta adrenergic receptors
These receptors are involved in the response to norepinephrine.
What are the components and functions of each of the regions of the eye?
Cornea, lens, retina, iris, pupil
Each component plays a role in focusing light and processing visual information.
What is the difference between rods and cones in vision?
Rods are responsible for low-light vision; cones are responsible for color vision
Rods are more sensitive to light, while cones provide sharpness and color detail.
Describe the basic neural pathways for vision.
Light enters the eye, is focused on the retina, and signals are sent via the optic nerve to the brain
The visual information is processed in the occipital lobe.
What are the components and functions of each of the regions of the ear?
Outer ear (pinna, ear canal), middle ear (ossicles), inner ear (cochlea, vestibular system)
Each part is essential for hearing and balance.
What types of receptors are used in hearing?
Hair cells in the cochlea
Hair cells are stimulated by sound vibrations and convert them into electrical signals.
What is the pathway sound takes through the ear?
Outer ear → middle ear → inner ear → auditory nerve
Sound waves travel through these structures to be processed by the brain.
What structures are involved with equilibrium?
Semicircular canals, vestibule
These structures help maintain balance and spatial orientation.
What types of receptors are used in equilibrium?
Hair cells in the vestibular system
Hair cells detect changes in head position and motion.
What are the basic reasons for being nearsighted?
Eyeball too long or lens too curved
This causes distant objects to appear blurry.
What are the basic reasons for being farsighted?
Eyeball too short or lens too flat
This results in difficulty focusing on close objects.
How do glaucoma and cataracts develop?
Glaucoma: increased intraocular pressure; Cataracts: clouding of the lens
Both conditions affect vision and can lead to blindness if untreated.
What is the role of second messengers in chemical senses?
Amplify and transmit signals from chemoreceptors
Second messengers facilitate the response to odorants and tastants.
Where are chemoreceptors for olfaction located?
Nasal cavity
Olfactory receptors are found in the olfactory epithelium.
Where are chemoreceptors for gustation located?
Taste buds on the tongue
Taste buds contain receptor cells that respond to different taste modalities.
