Peripheral Nervous System & Autonomic Division – Review Flashcards

These flashcards cover cranial and spinal nerves, nerve plexuses, somatic vs. autonomic divisions, sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways, neurotransmitters, receptor types, and related clinical concepts—all essential topics from the lecture notes.

How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?

12 pairs

Which cranial nerve (number and name) carries smell information?

Cranial Nerve I – Olfactory

From which sensory structure does the Optic (II) nerve transmit information?

The retina of the eye

What is the primary motor function of the Oculomotor (III) nerve?

Moves the eyeball and controls pupil constriction and lens shape

Which cranial nerve innervates the superior oblique muscle of the eye?

Trochlear (IV)

Which cranial nerve provides most sensory input from the face and teeth?

Trigeminal (V)

What is the main motor function of the Abducens (VI) nerve?

Moves the eyeball laterally (lateral rectus)

Which cranial nerve controls muscles of facial expression?

Facial (VII)

Name the two functional branches of the Vestibulocochlear (VIII) nerve.

Vestibular branch (equilibrium) and cochlear branch (hearing)

Which cranial nerve carries taste from the posterior third of the tongue?

Glossopharyngeal (IX)

Which cranial nerve supplies parasympathetic fibers to most thoracic and abdominal organs?

Vagus (X)

What is the motor function of the Accessory (XI) nerve?

Moves shoulder and neck muscles (sternocleidomastoid and trapezius) and contributes to pharynx/larynx movement

Which cranial nerve controls tongue movements?

Hypoglossal (XII)

How many pairs of spinal nerves exist in total?

31 pairs

How many cervical spinal nerve pairs are there?

8 pairs (C1–C8)

Which root of a spinal nerve carries afferent (sensory) fibers?

Dorsal (posterior) root

What is found in the swelling known as the spinal (dorsal root) ganglion?

Cell bodies of sensory neurons

Which spinal nerve branch supplies the posterior body muscles and skin?

Dorsal (posterior) branch

What is a plexus in the peripheral nervous system?

An interconnected network of ventral branches of spinal nerves

Which plexus gives rise to the phrenic nerve?

Cervical plexus

Which nerve from the brachial plexus is commonly called the "funny bone"?

Ulnar nerve

What is the largest nerve emerging from the lumbar plexus?

Femoral nerve

Which is the longest and thickest nerve in the body?

Sciatic nerve (from the sacral plexus)

Which division of the nervous system maintains body temperature and regulates heart rate?

Autonomic division

What are the two antagonistic branches of the autonomic nervous system?

Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems

Which autonomic branch is described as "fight or flight"?

Sympathetic system

Where do sympathetic pre-ganglionic neurons originate in the spinal cord?

Thoracic and lumbar regions (T1–L2)

In the sympathetic pathway, where do most pre-ganglionic neurons synapse?

Sympathetic chain (paravertebral) ganglia

Which autonomic branch is known as "rest and digest"?

Parasympathetic system

About what percentage of parasympathetic fibers travel in the vagus nerves?

Approximately 75%

Where are terminal ganglia located in the parasympathetic system?

Near or within the walls of target organs

Do parasympathetic nerves innervate blood vessels or sweat glands?

No

Which neurotransmitter is released by both sympathetic and parasympathetic pre-ganglionic neurons?

Acetylcholine

Post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons are usually classified as what type of neuron?

Adrenergic (release norepinephrine)

Which cholinergic receptor subtype is found on effector organs in the parasympathetic system?

Muscarinic receptors

Which receptor type does norepinephrine bind on vascular smooth muscle to raise blood pressure?

Alpha adrenergic receptors

Activation of beta adrenergic receptors in the lungs causes what effect?

Dilation of bronchial tubes (bronchodilation)

What drug class blocks receptor activation and can lower blood pressure?

Antagonists (e.g., beta blockers)

Which spinal nerve plexus supplies the lower abdominal wall and thigh?

Lumbar plexus

What is proprioception?

Sense of body position detected by receptors in muscles, tendons, and joints

Which inner-ear structure is essential for hearing?

Cochlea

What movement of food through the digestive tract is produced by sequential muscle contractions?

Peristalsis

Which cranial nerve carries sensory information from the taste buds of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

Facial (VII)

Which cranial nerve provides motor innervation to chewing muscles?

Trigeminal (V)

what organs are innervated by parasympathetic fibers from the sacral region?

Lower large intestine, urinary bladder, or reproductive organs (any one)

What is the main sympathetic effect on the heart?

Increases heart rate and force of contraction

What is the main parasympathetic effect on the airways?

Constriction of airways

Which receptor type is located on post-ganglionic neurons in autonomic ganglia and activated by acetylcholine?

Nicotinic receptors

What are agonists in pharmacology?

Drugs that activate receptors

What is the target effect of inhaled beta-agonist drugs?

Bronchodilation to treat asthma or COPD

What condition results from compression of the sciatic nerve?

Sciatica (radiating pain down hips, buttocks, and legs)