Autonomics

Question 1

What is the primary theme of the Sympathetic division?

Answer 1

Fight or Flight.

Question 2

What is the primary theme of the Parasympathetic division?

Answer 2

Rest and Digest.

Question 3

What three components make up the Autonomic Nervous System pathway?

Answer 3

A preganglionic neuron, ganglia, and a postganglionic fiber.

Question 4

Where do Sympathetic preganglionic neurons originate?

Answer 4

Thoracolumbar region (T1 – T12, L1 – L2/L3).

Question 5

Where do Parasympathetic preganglionic neurons originate?

Answer 5

Craniosacral region (CN 3, 7, 9, 10; S2-S4).

Question 6

Which division has longer preganglionic fibers (PS or S)?

Answer 6

Parasympathetic (PS > S).

Question 7

Which division has longer postganglionic fibers (PS or S)?

Answer 7

Sympathetic (S > PS).

Question 8

Where are Sympathetic ganglia located?

Answer 8

Paired paravertebral or prevertebral.

Question 9

Where are Parasympathetic ganglia located?

Answer 9

At or near the target organ.

Question 10

Which division has a greater degree of postganglionic collateral branching?

Answer 10

Sympathetic (S > PS), allowing for diffuse discharge.

Question 11

What is the neurotransmitter used at all autonomic ganglia?

Answer 11

Acetylcholine (ACh).

Question 12

What is the receptor type at all autonomic ganglia?

Answer 12

Nicotinic (Nn​).

Question 13

What is the neurotransmitter at all Parasympathetic nerve terminals (organ synapse)?

Answer 13

Acetylcholine (ACh).

Question 14

What is the receptor type at the Parasympathetic organ synapse?

Answer 14

Muscarinic (M).

Question 15

What is the neurotransmitter at most Sympathetic nerve terminals (organ synapse)?

Answer 15

Norepinephrine (NE).

Question 16

What is the receptor type at the Sympathetic organ synapse (most)?

Answer 16

Adrenergic (α or β).

Question 17

What are the three main Adrenergic receptor subtypes?

Answer 17

Alpha (α1,α2) and Beta (β1,β2,β3).

Question 18

What is Epinephrine (EPI)?

Answer 18

A hormone released from the adrenal medulla.

Question 19

What NT do postganglionic sympathetic neurons release to sweat glands?

Answer 19

Acetylcholine (ACh) (they are called sympathetic cholinergic neurons).

Question 20

What NT do postganglionic sympathetic neurons release to renal vascular beds?

Answer 20

Dopamine.

Question 21

What is the unique innervation of the adrenal medulla?

Answer 21

Preganglionic S neurons synapse directly on the medulla, releasing ACh.

Question 22

What does the adrenal gland release into the systemic circulation?

Answer 22

Epinephrine (80%) and Norepinephrine (20%).

Question 23

Sympathetic effect on Pupils and receptor?

Answer 23

Dilation (Mydriasis) via dilator pupillae muscle contraction (α1).

Question 24

Parasympathetic effect on Pupils and receptor?

Answer 24

Constriction (Miosis) via sphincter pupillae muscle contraction (M).

Question 25

Sympathetic effect on Ciliary Muscle (vision) and receptor?

Answer 25

Relaxation for far vision (β2).

Question 26

Parasympathetic effect on Ciliary Muscle (vision) and receptor?

Answer 26

Contraction for close-up vision (accommodation) (M).

Question 27

Sympathetic effect on Aqueous Humor secretion and receptor?

Answer 27

Increase secretion (facilitated) (β2).

Question 28

Parasympathetic effect on Tears and receptor?

Answer 28

Stimulates lacrimal glands (M).

Question 29

Sympathetic effect on Heart Rate and Force (and receptor)?

Answer 29

↑ Heart Rate and ↑ Force of contraction (β1).

Question 30

Parasympathetic effect on Heart Rate and Force (and receptor)?

Answer 30

↓ Heart Rate and ↓ Force (atria) (M).

Question 31

Sympathetic effect on Vessels (Skeletal Muscle) and receptor?

Answer 31

Vasodilation (β2).

Question 32

Sympathetic effect on Vessels (Skin, Abdomen, Renal) and receptor?

Answer 32

Vasoconstriction (α1).

Question 33

Parasympathetic effect on Blood Vessels?

Answer 33

Not innervated (mostly).

Question 34

Sympathetic effect on Bronchial Smooth Muscle and receptor?

Answer 34

Dilation (via circulating EPI from adrenal gland) (β2).

Question 35

Parasympathetic effect on Bronchial Smooth Muscle and receptor?

Answer 35

Constriction (M).

Question 36

Sympathetic effect on GI Muscle Walls and receptor?

Answer 36

Relaxation (↓ motility) (β2).

Question 37

Parasympathetic effect on GI Muscle Walls and receptor?

Answer 37

Contraction (↑ motility) (M).

Question 38

Sympathetic effect on GI Sphincters and receptor?

Answer 38

Contraction (α1).

Question 39

Parasympathetic effect on GI Sphincters and receptor?

Answer 39

Relaxation (M).

Question 40

Sympathetic effect on Bladder Wall (Detrussor) and receptor?

Answer 40

Relaxation (β2 and β3).

Question 41

Parasympathetic effect on Bladder Wall (Detrussor) and receptor?

Answer 41

Contraction (M).

Question 42

Sympathetic effect on Bladder Sphincter/Trigone and receptor?

Answer 42

Contraction (α1).

Question 43

Sympathetic action in Males and receptor?

Answer 43

Ejaculation (α1).

Question 44

Parasympathetic effect on Bladder Sphincter/Trigone and receptor?

Answer 44

Relaxation (M).

Question 45

Parasympathetic action in Males and receptor?

Answer 45

Erection (M).

Question 46

Sympathetic effect on Glucose (gluconeogenesis/glycogenolysis)?

Answer 46

↑ Glucose (β2 and α1).

Question 47

Sympathetic effect on Lipolysis and receptor?

Answer 47

↑ Lipolysis (β3).

Question 48

Sympathetic effect on Salivation and receptor?

Answer 48

Viscous, low volume (α1).

Question 49

Parasympathetic effect on Salivation and receptor?

Answer 49

Watery, high volume (M).

Question 50

Which division has dominant tone in the Heart Rate, Eye, GI Tract, and Salivary Glands?

Answer 50

Parasympathetic.

Question 51

Which division has dominant tone in the Ventricular Myocardium, Vasculature, and Sweat Glands?

Answer 51

Sympathetic.