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Flashcards in this deck (175)
  • What does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulate?

    The ANS regulates homeostasis and controls internal organs' activity.

    ans physiology
  • What are the main divisions of the ANS?

    The sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

    ans divisions
  • Where are the GVE motor neurons located?

    In the spinal cord and brainstem.

    ans gve neuroscience
  • How does the ANS work with the endocrine system?

    The ANS regulates organ function alongside the endocrine system.

    ans endocrine
  • What is the role of the ANS in glandular control?

    It regulates secretory activity in both large and small glands.

    ans glands
  • The autonomic nervous system controls smooth muscle in the body, including smooth muscle of blood vessels, the gut, and glands.

    ans muscle
  • What types of organs does the ANS regulate more heavily?

    Organs like the heart are highly regulated by the ANS.

    ans organs
  • Which organ receives only minor regulation from the ANS?

    The kidneys mainly function through hormonal control, with minor ANS input.

    ans kidneys
  • What are sensory ganglia?

    They house sensory neuron cell bodies in the ANS.

    ans ganglia
  • What is a synonym for sympathetic chain ganglia?

    Paravertebral ganglia.

    ans ganglia
  • What is the function of GVE neurons in the sympathetic pathways?

    They transmit signals from the CNS to target organs.

    ans gve pathways
  • Which cranial nerve is involved in parasympathetic pathways to thoracic and abdominal organs?

    Cranial Nerve X (Vagus Nerve).

    ans cn_x
  • What is the function of the smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract?

    It aids in the movement of food and digestion.

    ans gastrointestinal
  • How does the ANS affect heart rate?

    It regulates heart rate and blood pressure.

    ans heart
  • What type of information does the ANS process?

    Sensory information from the peripheral nervous system.

    ans sensory
  • The ANS primarily uses two types of neurons in the efferent pathway: pre-ganglionic neurons and post-ganglionic neurons.

    ans neurons
  • What is a synonym for preaortic ganglia?

    Collateral ganglia.

    ans ganglia
  • What types of muscle does the ANS regulate?

    Smooth muscle and glands.

    ans muscle glands
  • The sympathetic pathways can be described as those that transmit signals to the body wall and limbs, and to thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic organs.

    ans sympathetic pathways
  • What do older textbooks classify the ANS as?

    Only the GVE neurons and their axons.

    anatomy ans
  • What do modern neurobiological descriptions include in the ANS?

    GVA sensory neurons and their connections in the CNS.

    anatomy neuroscience ans
  • What types of sensory information do GVA neurons carry?

    • Physiological information about the state of an organ
    • Pain information (nociception) from an organ or smooth muscle.
    anatomy sensory neurology
  • From which regions does control over the ANS come?

    Mainly from the brainstem and spinal cord.

    anatomy control
  • Which higher brain regions help regulate the motorneurons of the ANS?

    • Hypothalamus
    • Parts of the limbic system.
    brain regulation ans
  • How can hormones affect the ANS?

    Certain hormones detected mainly in the hypothalamus can regulate activity of some output of the ANS.

    hormones regulation ans
  • What is the pupillary light reflex mediated by?

    Autonomic GVE axons.

    clinical reflexes ans
  • What can the baroreflex and vaso-vagal responses affect?

    They can severely affect patients' ability to function safely in daily activities.

    clinical reflexes ans
  • Why is excessive or lack of sweating clinically significant?

    It can provide insight into parts of the CNS that are affected.

    clinical sweating diagnosis
  • How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems function?

    They work together to regulate aspects of visceral function, usually in an antagonistic manner.

    ans sympathetic parasympathetic
  • What is one way to view the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?

    As a push/pull or yin/yang manner regulating homeostasis.

    homeostasis balance ans
  • What is the output of the sympathetic nervous system often described as?

    The 'fight or flight' response.

    nervous_system sympathetic
  • When is the sympathetic nervous system most active?

    During increased activity of the body or in response to stress.

    nervous_system sympathetic
  • What are effects of sympathetic stimulation?

    • Increased heart rate
    • Increased blood flow to skeletal muscles and skin
    • Sweating
    nervous_system sympathetic physiology
  • What is the output of the parasympathetic nervous system referred to as?

    The 'rest and digest' response.

    nervous_system parasympathetic
  • When is the parasympathetic nervous system most active?

    When activity and stress levels are low.

    parasympathetic nervous_system
  • What are effects of parasympathetic stimulation?

    • Decreased heart rate
    • Increased blood flow to the gut
    • Increased gut secretions and smooth muscle activity after meals
    nervous_system parasympathetic physiology
  • The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

    nervous_system sympathetic
  • The parasympathetic nervous system is known as the 'rest and digest' response.

    nervous_system parasympathetic
  • How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems interact?

    Each system regulates the other to dampen down the other's activity.

    nervous_system interaction
  • What is an example of synergy between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?

    The sexual response, which requires both types of stimulation.

    nervous_system sex synergy
  • What can happen when the parasympathetic system is activated while studying?

    Digestion may be impaired because the sympathetic system is activated as well.

    nervous_system homeostasis
  • How long might it take for homeostasis to be restored between the two systems?

    It may take a while.

    nervous_system homeostasis
  • What is the enteric nervous system?

    A separate system of sensory and motor neurons in the gut wall.

    nervous_system enteric
  • What role does the enteric nervous system play?

    It helps regulate numerous digestive functions.

    nervous_system digestion
  • Is the enteric nervous system considered part of the ANS?

    Some authors include it as part of the ANS, while others categorize it separately.

    nervous_system ans enteric
  • What are the main components of the efferent autonomic pathways?

    • CNS to target organs
    • Afferent axons from organs back to CNS
    anatomy autonomic
  • Where do efferent pathways originate?

    • In brainstem nuclei
    • In spinal cord
    anatomy nervous_system
  • How many neurons are there in the efferent autonomic pathway chain?

    There are two neurons in the chain.

    anatomy neurophysiology
  • What is a ganglion?

    A collection of neuron cell bodies in the PNS with a common function.

    anatomy autonomic
  • What structures do GVE pathways typically target?

    • Viscera
    • Glands
    • Smooth muscle
    physiology autonomic
  • What type of axons do sympathetic efferent neurons follow?

    They follow spinal nerves and their branches.

    anatomy sympathetic
  • Where do parasympathetic efferent axons emerge from?

    They emerge from the brainstem.

    anatomy parasympathetic
  • What type of information does GVA axons convey?

    • Physiological information for homeostasis
    • Pain from internal organs
    physiology gva
  • Where is the neuron cell body of sensory GVA axons typically located?

    In a DRG or related sensory ganglia.

    anatomy gva
  • What is carried by cranial nerves?

    They carry other types of afferent and efferent axons.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • The efferent autonomic pathways consist of two neurons: the first neuron cell body is in the CNS, and its axon travels in the PNS to synapse onto a neuron cell body in the PNS, while the second axon stays in the PNS to reach the target organ.

    anatomy neurophysiology
  • Efferent autonomic pathways target structures such as glands, smooth muscle associated with the gut, and even the smooth muscle of blood vessels.

    physiology gve
  • Sensory axons from visceral structures, known as GVA fibers, travel along the same route as GVE efferent axons back to the CNS.

    physiology gva
  • What is a nucleus in the CNS?

    A nucleus is a collection of neuron cell bodies with a common function and location in the CNS.

    anatomy cns
  • What are sensory ganglia?

    Sensory ganglia, such as the DRG, are collections of neuron cell bodies, but not the focus here.

    anatomy ganglia
  • What is the function of ganglia in the ANS?

    In the ANS, ganglia are where GVE efferent neurons synapse onto second GVE neurons.

    anatomy ans
  • What are preganglionic neurons?

    Preganglionic neurons are the first GVE neurons located in the CNS.

    neuroanatomy ans
  • Where are sympathetic GVE neurons located?

    Sympathetic GVE neurons are located in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord.

    neuroanatomy sympathetic
  • What is the thoracolumbar system?

    The thoracolumbar system refers to the sympathetic efferent system.

    ans sympathetic
  • Where are parasympathetic GVE neurons located?

    Parasympathetic GVE neurons are located in cranial nerve nuclei or the sacral spinal cord.

    neuroanatomy parasympathetic
  • What is the craniosacral system?

    The craniosacral system refers to the parasympathetic efferent system.

    ans parasympathetic
  • What do preganglionic neurons do?

    Preganglionic neurons send their axons TO a GANGLION.

    neuroanatomy axon
  • What do postganglionic neurons do?

    Postganglionic neurons send their axons AWAY FROM a GANGLION.

    neuroanatomy axon
  • What are sympathetic chain ganglia?

    Sympathetic chain ganglia, or paravertebral ganglia, are paired structures outside the vertebral column.

    neuroanatomy sympathetic
  • Where are sympathetic chain ganglia located?

    They are located deep in the neck, thorax, and abdomen, just lateral to the vertebrae.

    anatomy sympathetic
  • What do postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic chain project to?

    They project axons out to the skin and blood vessels of the skin and skeletal muscle.

    neuroanatomy sympathetic
  • What are preaortic ganglia?

    Preaortic ganglia, or prevertebral ganglia, are unpaired structures located deep in the abdominal cavity.

    neuroanatomy abdomen
  • Where are preaortic ganglia located?

    They are located immediately anterior to the abdominal aorta.

    anatomy abdomen
  • What are the three main ganglia in the abdomen?

    Celiac ganglion, superior mesenteric ganglion, and inferior mesenteric ganglion.

    neuroanatomy abdomen
  • What are celiac and mesenteric ganglia named for?

    They are named for the blood vessels they are located near.

    anatomy abdomen
  • What are postganglionic neurons?

    Postganglionic neurons are located in ganglia in the PNS.

    neuroanatomy pns
  • Where are sympathetic ganglia located?

    Sympathetic ganglia exist mainly for postganglionic neurons to viscera of the pelvis, embedded within the plexus of nerves associated with pelvic organs.

    anatomy sympathetic
  • In which areas are parasympathetic ganglia located?

    Parasympathetic GVE ganglia are located in the head, thorax, abdomen, and lower abdomen/pelvis.

    anatomy parasympathetic
  • What does the Ciliary Ganglion control?

    The Ciliary Ganglion controls smooth muscle within the eyeball for pupil constriction and lens shape adjustment.

    anatomy eye
  • What is the function of the Pterygopalatine Ganglion?

    The Pterygopalatine Ganglion controls the secretion of tear fluid and secretion from nasal/oral mucosa.

    anatomy glands
  • What does the Submandibular Ganglion regulate?

    The Submandibular Ganglion regulates the secretion of saliva from glands in the mouth.

    anatomy saliva
  • What is the role of the Otic Ganglion?

    The Otic Ganglion controls the secretion of saliva from the parotid gland.

    anatomy saliva
  • Where are unnamed parasympathetic ganglia located?

    Numerous small unnamed ganglia are located in the walls of thoracic and abdominal organs.

    anatomy thorax abdomen
  • How are ganglia in the lower abdomen/pelvis organized?

    Ganglia in lower abdomen/pelvis are also embedded within the wall of each organ.

    anatomy pelvis
  • Why are postganglionic axons short in the parasympathetic system?

    Postganglionic axons are short because the neurons in the ganglia are very close to their target organs.

    anatomy nerves
  • How do sympathetic pathways differ from parasympathetic ones?

    Sympathetic pathways often have relatively long postganglionic axons due to ganglia being far from target organs.

    anatomy sympathetic
  • Where are preganglionic sympathetic neurons located?

    Preganglionic sympathetic neurons are located in the lateral horn of the spinal cord from T1 to L2.

    anatomy spinal_cord
  • What is significant about the sympathetic chain of ganglia?

    The sympathetic chain of ganglia is in the PNS, extends above T1 into cervical regions, and below L2 to sacral/coccygeal regions.

    anatomy pns
  • Where is the postganglionic neuron cell body located for the pathway to the body wall?

    The postganglionic neuron cell body is located directly in the sympathetic chain.

    nervous_system sympathetic_chain
  • What are the target organs for the pathway to the body wall?

    • Sweat glands
    • Arrector pili of skin
    • Smooth muscle of blood vessels in trunk
    nervous_system target_organs
  • In which spinal cord level are preganglionic neuron cell bodies for the pathway to the body wall located?

    Preganglionic neuron cell bodies are located in the lateral horn at T4 spinal cord level.

    nervous_system spinal_cord
  • How does the preganglionic axon reach the T4 sympathetic ganglion?

    • Leaves the spinal cord in the T4 ventral root.
    • Joins the T4 spinal nerve.
    • Leaves through a white ramus communicante.
    • Enters the T4 sympathetic ganglion.
    nervous_system axon_pathway
  • What does the postganglionic axon do after leaving the ganglion?

    The postganglionic axon exits via a grey ramus communicante and rejoins the spinal nerve.

    nervous_system axon_pathway
  • What is the dermatome level for the target organs of the T4 spinal cord?

    Target organs are located at the T4 dermatome level.

    nervous_system dermatome
  • Where is the synapse for the pathway to the limbs located?

    The synapse is in the sympathetic chain, possibly above T1 or below L2.

    nervous_system limb_pathway
  • What are the target organs for the pathway to the limbs?

    • Sweat glands
    • Arrector pili of skin
    • Smooth muscle of blood vessels in limbs
    nervous_system target_organs
  • What spinal nerves provide somatic innervation to the upper limbs?

    Somatic innervation to upper limbs is from lower cervical to T1 spinal nerves.

    nervous_system limb_innervation
  • What spinal nerves provide somatic innervation to the lower limbs?

    Somatic innervation to lower limbs is from lumbar and sacral spinal nerves.

    nervous_system limb_innervation
  • How do preganglionic axons for the limbs exit the sympathetic chain?

    Preganglionic axons either ascend for upper limb or descend for lower limb sympathetic chain ganglia.

    nervous_system limb_pathway
  • What is one example of the preganglionic neuron cell body for the upper limb pathway?

    Located in the lateral horn of T2 spinal cord level.

    nervous_system upper_limb
  • How does the preganglionic axon for the upper limb start its path?

    • Exits through T2 ventral root.
    • Joins the T2 spinal nerve.
    • Leaves via a white ramus communicante to the sympathetic chain.
    nervous_system axon_pathway
  • Where does the preganglionic axon ascend for upper limb innervation?

    The axon ascends to the middle cervical ganglion.

    nervous_system upper_limb_pathway
  • Where do preganglionic axons synapse onto postganglionic neurons?

    In the ganglion.

    anatomy neuroanatomy
  • What structure does the postganglionic axon leave via?

    The grey ramus communicante.

    anatomy neuroanatomy
  • What project does the postganglionic axon follow to reach the target organ?

    The ventral ramus and the brachial plexus.

    anatomy neuroanatomy
  • From where do preganglionic axons originate in the cervical spinal cord?

    Upper thoracic spinal cord levels.

    anatomy neuroanatomy
  • Where are preganglionic neurons located for the lower limb?

    Lower thoracic and L1/L2 lateral horn.

    anatomy neuroanatomy
  • What happens to preganglionic axons once they reach the sympathetic chain?

    They descend to lower lumbar and sacral sympathetic chain ganglia.

    anatomy neuroanatomy
  • Where do the preganglionic neurons of the head/neck structures synapse?

    In the superior cervical ganglion (SCG).

    anatomy neuroanatomy
  • What organs are the target for the head/neck pathway?

    Specialized smooth muscles and glands of the head.

    anatomy neuroanatomy
  • What is the location of the SCG?

    Just inferior to the base of the skull.

    anatomy neuroanatomy
  • What allows postganglionic axons to reach target organs?

    They follow blood vessels and sometimes nerves.

    anatomy neuroanatomy
  • Where do postganglionic neuron cell bodies for thoracic organs reside?

    In the cervical or upper thoracic sympathetic chain ganglia.

    anatomy thoracic neuroanatomy
  • What is the main target of the thoracic pathway?

    The heart and lungs.

    anatomy thoracic neuroanatomy
  • Where do preganglionic neurons for abdominal organs synapse?

    In preaortic (prevertebral) ganglia.

    anatomy abdominal neuroanatomy
  • Which organs are mainly targeted by the abdominal pathway?

    Gut, liver, pancreas, and kidneys.

    anatomy abdominal neuroanatomy
  • Where are the preganglionic neuron cell bodies located?

    In the lateral horn of the T5-T12 spinal cord.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • Do preganglionic axons synapse in the sympathetic chain?

    No, they leave the chain medially.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • How do preganglionic axons reach the preaortic/prevertebral ganglia?

    They leave the chain as splanchnic nerves.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • Where do postganglionic neurons from the preaortic ganglia send their axons?

    Along blood vessels to the target organs.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • How are the sympathetic pathways to pelvic organs described?

    Somewhat similar to the pathways for abdominal organs, but slightly different.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • How many neurons compose the sensory pathways following sympathetic pathways?

    A single neuron with a long axon from the sensory receptor to the CNS.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • Where is the cell body of the sensory neuron located?

    In a dorsal root ganglion (DRG).

    anatomy nervous_system
  • Do sensory ganglia have synapses?

    No, there are no synapses in sensory ganglia.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What general rule applies to pain from internal organs?

    It follows sympathetic routes to the CNS.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • How do pain axons from organs return to spinal nerves?

    They travel back through splanchnic and sympathetic nerves without synapsing.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • Where do pain pathways from viscera mix once in the CNS?

    With somatic pain pathways in the spinal cord.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What causes referred pain from internal organs?

    Visceral pain pathways mix with somatic pain pathways.

    anatomy pathology
  • Where are the cell bodies for minor GVA axons located?

    In DRG at the T1 to L2 spinal cord/spinal nerve level.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What type of information do GVA axons/neurons carry?

    Physiological information from glands and vessels innervated by sympathetic efferent axons.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What minor axons are present in pathways to somatic structures?

    Minor GVA axons.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What is the main role of the Vagus Nerve (CN X) in the parasympathetic pathways?

    It primarily innervates internal organs in the thorax and abdomen.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What is the craniosacral division of the ANS?

    It refers to the parasympathetic division that originates in the brain and sacral spinal cord.

    anatomy autonomic_nervous_system
  • Which cranial nerves are associated with preganglionic parasympathetic nuclei in the brainstem?

    Cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What do the postganglionic axons of cranial nerves III, VII, and IX do?

    They leave the ganglion and follow branches to reach the target organ.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What is the effect of parasympathetics on target glands?

    They increase secretion, making the glands more active.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What is a primary target of the parasympathetic pathways in the head?

    Specialized glands and smooth muscles of the eye.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • Where are the preganglionic parasympathetic neuron cell bodies of CN III located?

    In the Edinger-Westphal Nucleus of the midbrain.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What happens when the parasympathetic system affects the smooth muscle in the eye?

    It adjusts for near vision.

    anatomy vision
  • Cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X are connected to preganglionic parasympathetic nuclei in the brainstem.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • The Vagus Nerve mainly targets internal organs in the thorax and abdomen as part of the parasympathetic pathways.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • The parasympathetic ganglia in the head contain postganglionic neurons associated with the parasympathetic pathway.

    anatomy autonomic_nervous_system
  • What is the primary function of the parasympathetic division?

    Regulate rest and digest functions

    Increase heart rate

    Prepare body for fight or flight

    Stimulate sweat glands

    anatomy autonomic_nervous_system
  • Which cranial nerve does NOT contribute to parasympathetic pathways?

    CN VII

    CN III

    CN X

    CN IX

    anatomy nervous_system
  • Where are postganglionic neuron cell bodies located for the pupil constriction?

    In the Ciliary Ganglion (just behind the eyeball).

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What are the target organs of postganglionic neurons from the Ciliary Ganglion?

    • Smooth muscle that constricts the pupil
    • Lens for focusing on near vision
    anatomy nervous_system
  • Where are preganglionic parasympathetic neuron cell bodies for CN VII located?

    In the Superior Salivatory Nucleus of the pons.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What ganglia do axons from CN VII travel to?

    • Pterygopalatine Ganglion
    • Submandibular Ganglion
    anatomy nervous_system
  • What are the target organs of the Pterygopalatine Ganglion?

    • Lacrimal gland for tear fluid in the eye
    • Mucosa of nasal cavity & upper mouth
    anatomy nervous_system
  • What are the target organs of the Submandibular Ganglion?

    • Salivary glands in the mouth
    • Mucosa of the lower mouth
    anatomy nervous_system
  • Where are preganglionic parasympathetic neuron cell bodies for CN IX located?

    In the Inferior Salivatory Nucleus of the pons.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What is the target organ of postganglionic neurons from the Otic Ganglion?

    Parotid salivary gland outside the mouth (below the ear).

    anatomy nervous_system
  • Where are preganglionic parasympathetic neurons for thoracic and abdominal organs located?

    In the Dorsal Motor Nucleus of the Vagus (DMN of X).

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What happens to the preganglionic axons of CN X?

    They descend through the skull and neck to the thorax.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What occurs to CN X in the abdomen?

    Branches follow arteries to gut and abdominal organs.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • Where do preganglionic axons terminate?

    On small, unnamed ganglia within the wall of each organ.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What is the role of parasympathetic stimulation?

    Helps the body 'rest and digest'.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • Where are preganglionic parasympathetic neurons for distal gut located?

    In the sacral spinal cord at levels S2, S3, & S4.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What is the name of the nucleus in the sacral cord?

    It is called the sacral parasympathetic nucleus.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • How do the preganglionic axons leave the CNS in the sacral region?

    They leave in ventral roots and follow spinal nerves.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What happens to the axons after following spinal nerves?

    They separate as distinct parasympathetic nerves to target organs.

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What do small unnamed ganglia near or within the wall of each organ contain?

    • Postganglionic neurons
    anatomy ganglia
  • Where do postganglionic axons synapse?

    • Smooth muscle and glands of the organs
    anatomy nervous_system
  • What is not necessary when tracing sensory (GVA) axons from glands/smooth muscle of the head?

    • Tracing
    nervous_system gva
  • Where do GVA sensory axons from thoracic and most abdominal organs follow back to?

    • Vagus nerve
    nervous_system gva
  • What is located at the base of the skull related to the vagus nerve?

    • Inferior ganglion of the vagus (nodose ganglion)
    anatomy nervous_system
  • What is directly analogous to a dorsal root ganglion (DRG)?

    • Inferior ganglion of the vagus
    nervous_system anatomy
  • Where do no synapses occur?

    • In sensory ganglia
    nervous_system neuroanatomy
  • Where do sensory axons synapse after continuing into the CNS?

    • Nucleus in the medulla
    nervous_system cns
  • What is the name of the nucleus in the medulla where sensory axons synapse?

    • Nucleus of the solitary tract (NSTr)
    nervous_system anatomy
  • What type of information do GSA neurons carry?

    • Physiological information about heart rate, blood pressure, etc.
    nervous_system physiology
  • What is not carried by the vagus nerve?

    • Pain information
    nervous_system gva
  • From where do GVA sensory axons of the distal gut follow back?

    • Sacral parasympathetic axons
    nervous_system gva
  • Where are neuron cell bodies located for GVA axons from the distal gut?

    • Dorsal root ganglion (DRG)
    nervous_system anatomy
  • Where do axons of GVA sensory neurons continue into?

    • Dorsal horn of the spinal cord
    nervous_system spinal_cord
Study Notes

Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss the body functions controlled by the ANS.
  • Define and differentiate sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
  • List types of viscera controlled by the ANS.
  • Describe sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways.

Overview of ANS

  • Regulates homeostasis through GVE motorneurons from CNS.
  • Controls internal organs and glands, e.g., heart and kidneys.
  • Works with the endocrine system, but is a separate entity.

General Visceral Afferent (GVA) of the ANS

Older models include only GVE neurons; modern models include GVA sensory neurons. GVA neurons convey physiological and nociceptive information.

ANS Control

Higher brain regions like the hypothalamus regulate ANS output. Motor output is primarily from brainstem and spinal cord.

Clinical Significance of the ANS

  • Pupillary light reflex tests for brain damage.
  • Baroreflex affects daily functions.
  • Issues like excessive sweating can indicate CNS problems.

Divisions of the ANS

  • Sympathetic (fight or flight) increases activity.
  • Parasympathetic (rest and digest) decreases activity.
  • Both systems work antagonistically to regulate homeostasis.

Sympathetic System

Active during stress; increases heart rate and blood flow to muscles.

Parasympathetic System

Active during relaxation; decreases heart rate and increases gut activity.

Features of Autonomic Pathways

  • Efferent pathways: Two-neuron chains—preganglionic (CNS) and postganglionic (PNS).
  • GVA sensory pathways follow similar routes back to CNS.

Ganglia of the ANS

  • Ganglion: PNS collection of neuron cell bodies.
  • Nucleus: CNS collection of neuron cell bodies.

Sympathetic Ganglia Locations

  • Sympathetic Chain Ganglia: Paired, outside the vertebral column.
  • Preaortic Ganglia: Unpaired, anterior to abdominal aorta.

Parasympathetic Ganglia Locations

  • Four head ganglia associated with glands.
  • Numerous ganglia within thoracic and abdominal organ walls.

Sympathetic Pathways Overview

Preganglionic sympathetic neurons are in T1-L2, projecting to various target organs.

Pathway to Body Wall

  • Synapse directly in sympathetic chain; target sweat glands and blood vessels.

Pathway to Limbs

Preganglionic axons either ascend (upper limb) or descend (lower limb) in the sympathetic chain.

Pathway to Head/Neck Structures

Synapse in the Superior Cervical Ganglion (SCG). Targets include smooth muscles and glands.

Pathways to Thoracic Organs

Preganglionic neurons in T1-T4; postganglionic targets include heart and lungs.

Pathways to Abdominal Organs

Synapse in preaortic ganglia; targets mainly gut and its glands.

Parasympathetic Pathways Overview

Primarily via the Vagus Nerve (CN X) to thoracic and abdominal organs.

Parasympathetic Pathways to Head

Cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X carry parasympathetic axons to various glands.

Pathway to Thoracic and Abdominal Organs

CN X innervates most gut and abdominal organs, with ganglia in organ walls.

SENSORY Pathways

GVA sensory axons relay physiological information from organs, often following similar pathways as sympathetic innervation.