Introduction to the Nervous System and Autonomics

Question 1

Describe and organize the nervous system.

Answer 1

Nervous system is composed of the CNS (brain and spinal cord) and the PNS (Motor nerves, Sensory nerves, and Autonomic nervous system) ANS (Sympathetic and parasympathetic)

Question 2

What are the four main functions of the nervous system?

Answer 2

1. ) Receives sensory messages from the environment (internal and external)
2. ) Integration of new inputs with information that is already stored
3. ) Uses integrated information to send messages to muscles and glands
4. ) Provides the basis for conscious experiences and cognitive abilities

Question 3

What regulates the ANS?

Answer 3

The hypothalamus

Question 4

Where do the hypothalamic axons synapse for the parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 4

Cranial nerves 3, 7, 9, 10

S2-S4

Question 5

Where do the hypothalamic axons synapse for the sympathetic neurons?

Answer 5

On neurons within T1-L2 spinal cord

Question 6

What neurotransmitters can be found in the Sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 6

Pre-ganglionic neurons release acetylcholine onto the nicotinic receptors of the post-ganglionic neurons and the post-ganglionic neurons release norepinephrine onto alpha or beta adrenergic receptors on the target organ

Question 7

What neurotransmitters can be found in the Parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 7

Pre-ganglionic neuron releases acetylcholine onto nicotinic receptors on the post-ganglionic neuron and the post-ganglionic neuron releases Acetylcholine to the muscarinic receptors on the target organ

Question 8

Where can the pre-ganglionic sympathetic neurons synapse?

Answer 8

Sympathetic chain ganglion, one of three ganglion found in the abdomen, or the Adrenal medulla (acts as a gland)