Question 1

Two major plexuses of the enteric system are the myenteric plexus and the submucosal plexus.

Accepted Answer

The enteric nervous system, which governs the function of the gastrointestinal system, includes two major neural networks: the myenteric plexus, which primarily controls gastrointestinal motility, and the submucosal plexus, which primarily regulates enzyme secretion, blood flow, and ion/water balance in the gut.

Question 2

A single sympathetic preganglionic axon has many axon collaterals (branches) that can synapse with 20 or more postganglionic neurons. This divergence helps explain how sympathetic responses can affect most body parts simultaneously.

Accepted Answer

This is because the branching allows a single preganglionic neuron to influence multiple postganglionic neurons, leading to a widespread effect throughout the body, characteristic of the sympathetic nervous system's "fight or flight" response.

Question 3

In almost all cases, synapses between preganglionic and postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division occur either in _____ ganglia or in _____ ganglia.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In almost all cases, synapses between preganglionic...

Question 4

The major autonomic plexuses of the thorax are the _____ plexus and the ______ plexus.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The major autonomic plexuses of the thorax...

Question 5

The _____ portion of the sympathetic trunk innervates (stimulates) the heart, sweat glands of the head, the smooth muscle of the eye, and blood vessels in the head.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The _____ portion of the sympathetic trunk...

Question 6

Compare and contrast the anatomy of the motor pathways of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system and list the neurotransmitters released at each synapse in each pathway.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the anatomy of the...

Question 7

The celiac ganglion and a mesenteric ganglion are examples of prevertebral ganglia.

Accepted Answer

Both the celiac ganglion and a mesenteric ganglion are types of prevertebral ganglia, which are collections of nerve cell bodies (ganglia) located anterior to the vertebral column and are involved in the autonomic nervous system, specifically in the sympathetic division.

Question 8

There are two main types of receptors for both acetylcholine (ACh) and for norepinephrine (NE). Give the names of the receptors, the general location of each, and the expected effect of stimulation of each receptor type.

Accepted Answer

The answer of There are two main types of receptors...

Question 9

In general, the postganglionic axons (fibers) of prevertebral ganglia of the sympathetic division innervate (stimulate) effectors above the diaphragm.

Accepted Answer

The postganglionic axons of prevertebral ganglia primarily innervate effectors in the abdominal and pelvic regions, not above the diaphragm.

Question 10

List the four cranial nerves that carry parasympathetic motor impulses. Three pairs of these nerves lead to four pairs of ganglia. Name the ganglia and state which cranial nerves connect to them.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List the four cranial nerves that carry...

Question 11

An organ that is served by both divisions of the autonomic nervous system is said to have _____ innervation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of An organ that is served by both...

Question 12

The hypothalamus is the major control and integration center of the autonomic nervous system.

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system by integrating and controlling bodily functions such as temperature regulation, thirst, hunger, sleep, and emotional activity.

Question 13

All adrenergic alpha receptors are ALWAYS excitatory.

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic alpha receptors can be either excitatory or inhibitory depending on their subtype and the tissue in which they are located. For example, alpha-1 receptors generally mediate excitatory responses, while alpha-2 receptors can inhibit neurotransmitter release.

Question 14

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for preparing the body for an emergency situation? Describe the responses of the body that collectively are referred to as the fight-or-flight response.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which division of the autonomic nervous system...

Question 15

Nicotinic receptors and muscarinic receptors both interact with acetylcholine (ACh).

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptors and muscarinic receptors are both types of cholinergic receptors that interact with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), but they differ in their location, mechanism, and response to ACh.

Question 16

The largest autonomic plexus is the _____ plexus in the abdomen.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The largest autonomic plexus is the _____...

Question 17

Parasympathetic preganglionic neuron cell bodies are located in the brain stem and in the lateral gray horns of the second through fourth sacral segments of the spinal cord.

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic preganglionic neuron cell bodies are indeed located in the brain stem and in the lateral gray horns of the second through fourth sacral segments of the spinal cord, reflecting the "craniosacral" origin of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 18

The motor output component of the autonomic nervous system has two divisions: _____ and _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The motor output component of the autonomic...

Question 19

The lacrimal glands only receive parasympathetic innervation (stimulation).

Accepted Answer

The lacrimal glands receive both parasympathetic and sympathetic innervation. Parasympathetic stimulation primarily facilitates tear production, while sympathetic innervation can influence the gland's blood vessels.

Question 20

Parasympathetic postganglionic axons (fibers) are very short because the terminal ganglia are very close to the structures they innervate (stimulate).

Accepted Answer

The parasympathetic nervous system's terminal ganglia are located near, or even within, the organs they innervate, resulting in very short postganglionic fibers.

Quiz 19: The Autonomic Nervous System