The Autonomic Nervous System

What is the function of the nuchal ligament?

Supports the head in a mid position above the ground without expending muscular energy as a way to conserve energy.

When does the nuchal ligament become the supraspinous ligament?

When it enters the thoracic region

What is a prolapsed invertebral disc also known as?

A slipped disc

What is the sympathetic nervous system responsible for?

Fight or flight response

What outflow is responsible for the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Thoracolumbar outflow

What is the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for?

Maintains homeostasis, dominant when the body is in a relaxed state.

What outflow is responsible for the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Craniosacral outflow

Briefly describe the pre-ganglionic fibres of the autonomic nervous system:

Myelinated making them fast transmitting

Briefly describe the post-ganglionic fibres of the autonomic nervous system:

They are unmyelinated meaning that they are slower but more efficient.

What is meant by parasympathetic fibres being cholinergic?

Their neurotransmitter is acetylcholine

What is meant by sympathetic nerve fibres being adrenergic?

Their neurotransmitter is adrenaline.

Where are the pre-ganglionic fibres of the parasympathetic nervous system found?

In the lateral horn of the thoracolumbar spinal cord

What is the ratio of pre-ganglionic fibre synapses to post-ganglionic fibres in the sympathetic nervous system?

1:20

Where are the sympathetic ganglia found?

Close to the spine, short neurons for speed of response.

Are there any cranial nerves that contain sympathetic fibres?

no

Where are parasympathetic ganglia found?

On or near the target except for those of the head

What is the ratio of pre-ganglionic fibre synapses to post-ganglionic fibres in the parasympathetic nervous system?

1:4

What are the four cranial nerves containing parasympathetic fibres?

Occulomotor, facial, glossopharayngeal and vagus

What is the function of the vagus-sympathetic trunk?

To allow sympathetic nerve fibres to travel to the brain.

What is the origin of sympathetic fibres?

Thoracolumbar spinal cord

What is the origin of parasympathetic nerve fibres?

Craniosacral

What is the length of sympathetic nerve fibres?

Short preganglionic and long postganglionic

What is the length of parasympathetic nerve fibres?

Long preganglionic and short postganglionic

What is the location of sympathetic ganglia?

Close to the spinal cord

What is the location of parasympathetic ganglia?

In or near the effector organ

What is the III cranial nerve?

Occulormotor nerve

What is the VII cranial nerve?

The facial nerve

What is the IX cranial nerve?

The glossopharanygeal nerve

What is the X cranial nerve?

The vagus nerve

Which cranial nerve innervates the pupillary constrictor and ciliary muscle?

Ocular motor nerve (III)

What cranial nerve innervates the lacrimal and nasal glands?

The facial nerve (VII)

What cranial nerve innervates the submaxillary and sublingual glands?

The glossopharyngeal nerver (IX)

What cranial nerve innervates the parotid gland?

The Vagus nerve (X)

List 5 physiological functions regulated by the sympathetic response of the ANS:

1. Fight or flight

2. Adrenalin released from the adrenal glands

3. Increase in heart rate

4. pupils dilate

5. Glycogen converted into glucose

List 5 physiological functions regulated by the parasympathetic response of the ANS:

1. Maintains homeostasis

2. Rest and Digest

3. Pupil contraction

4. Increased salivation

5. Longer neurons leads to a slower response

What is the action of salbutamol?

Inhibits bronchospasm, commonly used in inhalers

What is the action of propanolol?

Slows heart rate and reduces blood pressure, a type of beta blocker