Anatomy and Physiology 2 - ANS Study Questions

1. When the sympathetic nervous system is active, what kinds of changes occur in the body?

When the sympathetic nervous system is active, it prepares the body for a "fight or flight" response. This includes increased heart rate, dilated pupils, slowed digestion, and increased blood flow to muscles.

2. When the parasympathetic nervous system is active, what kinds of changes occur in the body?

When the parasympathetic nervous system is active, it promotes a "rest and digest" response. This includes decreased heart rate, constricted pupils, increased digestion, and decreased blood flow to muscles.

3. Which nerves and neurotransmitters are associated with the somatic, sympathetic, and parasympathetic nervous systems?

The somatic nervous system is associated with skeletal muscles and uses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The sympathetic nervous system uses the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine, while the parasympathetic nervous system mainly uses acetylcholine.

4. Where are the cell bodies of preganglionic, postganglionic, and somatic motor neurons located?

The cell bodies of preganglionic neurons are located in the brainstem and spinal cord, postganglionic in the peripheral ganglia, and somatic motor neurons in the spinal cord.

5. How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems affect the different organs of the body?

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems have opposite effects on organ systems. For instance, the sympathetic system increases heart rate while the parasympathetic system decreases it.

6. What are the different type of cholinergic receptors, and where are they located?

The different types of cholinergic receptors are nicotinic and muscarinic. Nicotinic receptors are found in the neuromuscular junction and autonomic ganglia, while muscarinic receptors are found in the heart, smooth muscles, and glands.

7.  What are the different types of adrenergic receptors, and where are they located?

The different types of adrenergic receptors are alpha and beta receptors. Alpha receptors are mainly found in blood vessels leading to constricted blood vessels when activated. Beta receptors are found in the heart, leading to increased heart rate when activated.