autonomic nervous system

• What does the autonomic nervous system primarily manage?

  Automatic, involuntary processes
• What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

  Sympathetic and parasympathetic

  
• What is the role of the somatic nervous system?

  Facilitates voluntary movement

  
• What type of neurons does the somatic nervous system use?

  Motor and sensory neurons
• What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?

  Controls internal organ activity
• What are the two types of neurons in the autonomic nervous system?

  Afferent and efferent neurons
• What does the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system do?

  Prepares the body for fight or flight

  
• What does the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system do?

  Promotes rest and digestion

  
• Where do sympathetic preganglionic fibres originate?

  Spinal cord segments T1 – L2

  
• What is the location of sympathetic ganglia?

  Close to the spinal cord

  
• What neurotransmitter is primarily used in the sympathetic pathway?

  Norepinephrine
• What is the role of preganglionic fibres in the autonomic nervous system?

  They synapse in a ganglion

  
• What is a ganglion?

  A collection of cell bodies in PNS
• What happens to postganglionic sympathetic fibres?

  They travel along blood vessels
• What is Horner’s Syndrome associated with?

  Disruption of the sympathetic pathway
• What are the symptoms of Horner’s Syndrome?

  Constricted pupil, ptosis, anhidrosis
• What can cause Horner’s Syndrome?

  Trauma, tumor, multiple sclerosis
• Where do parasympathetic preganglionic fibres originate?

  Brainstem and S2 – S4 spinal segments
• What is the function of the vagus nerve?

  Regulates heart and digestive functions
• How do sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways differ in response?

  Sympathetic is widespread; parasympathetic is localized

  
• What neurotransmitter is primarily used in the parasympathetic pathway?

  Acetylcholine
• What do anticholinergic drugs do?

  Inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system
• What is the summary of the autonomic nervous system's functions?

  Regulates internal organ functions and homeostasis
• How do sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways differ in structure?

  Sympathetic has short preganglionic fibres

  
• What is the significance of the location of sympathetic ganglia?

  Allows activation of multiple organs simultaneously
• What is the primary role of the autonomic nervous system?

  Maintain homeostasis
• What are the main differences between sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways?

  • Sympathetic:
  • Origin: T1 – L2
  • Ganglia: Close to spinal cord
  • Response: Widespread, 'fight or flight'
  • Neurotransmitter: Norepinephrine
  • Parasympathetic:
  • Origin: Brainstem & S2 – S4
  • Ganglia: Near target organs
  • Response: Localized, 'rest and digest'
  • Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine

  
• What are the key components of the autonomic nervous system pathways?

  • Preganglionic neuron
  • Ganglion
  • Postganglionic neuron

  
• What are the effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic activation on organ systems?

  • Sympathetic:
  • Increases heart rate
  • Dilates airways
  • Inhibits digestion
  • Parasympathetic:
  • Decreases heart rate
  • Constricts airways
  • Stimulates digestion

  
• What are the potential causes of Horner’s Syndrome?

  • Trauma
  • Tumor
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Spinal cord lesions
• What are the main autonomic nervous system ganglia?

  • Sympathetic ganglia:
  • Cervical ganglia
  • Pre-aortic ganglia
  • Parasympathetic ganglia:
  • Ciliary, otic, pterygopalatine, submandibular