CH 14 Autonomic and Somatic Nervous Systems

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the autonomic and somatic nervous systems, including their components, functions, pathways, and differences.

What are the main components of the autonomic nervous system?

It includes the sympathetic division, parasympathetic division, and enteric division.

What does the somatic nervous system control?

It controls voluntary functions and communicates with skeletal muscles.

What is the sympathetic nervous system primarily responsible for?

It is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

What is the parasympathetic nervous system primarily responsible for?

It is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response.

What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

How do autonomic motor pathways generally operate?

They consist of two motor neurons in series: a preganglionic neuron and a postganglionic neuron.

What neurotransmitter is commonly released by sympathetic postganglionic neurons?

Norepinephrine.

What neurotransmitter is released by parasympathetic postganglionic neurons?

Acetylcholine.

What is the role of sensory (afferent) neurons in the nervous system?

They transmit sensory input to the central nervous system.

What is the role of motor (efferent) neurons?

They convey motor output from the central nervous system to effectors.

What does the term 'homeostasis' refer to?

It refers to the maintenance of a stable internal environment.

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is activated during stress?

The sympathetic division.

Name the four cranial nerves associated with the craniosacral division of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X.

What is meant by 'visceral reflex'?

A reflex action involving internal organs controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

What are general senses?

They include tactile, thermal, pain, and proprioceptive sensations.

What are special senses?

They include smell, taste, vision, hearing, and equilibrium.

Describe one difference between somatic and autonomic paths for motor output.

Somatic pathways innervate skeletal muscles, while autonomic pathways innervate smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

What structure do postganglionic neurons originate from?

Autonomic ganglia.

What is the function of 'proprioceptors'?

They provide information about body position and movement.

What is indicated by the term 'mixed nerves'?

Nerves that contain both sensory and motor fibers.

How are autonomic ganglia organized?

They are organized into sympathetic trunk ganglia and prevertebral ganglia.

Identify the primary role of Central Nervous System (CNS) coordinating autonomic functions.

To integrate and process information from the body and coordinate appropriate responses.

What is a reflex arc?

A neural pathway that controls a reflex action.

How many neurons are typically present in a reflex arc involving the autonomic nervous system?

Typically consists of at least two neurons.

What is a 'preganglionic neuron'?

The first neuron in a two-neuron circuit of the autonomic nervous system.

What role does the acetylcholine play in the autonomic nervous system?

It acts as a neurotransmitter in both sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways.

What is 'referred pain'?

Pain felt in a location other than that of the stimulating organ.

What type of response does the sympathetic nervous system prepare the body for?

Increased activity levels and emergency response.

Where do the majority of preganglionic sympathetic neurons originate?

The thoracic and lumbar segments of the spinal cord.

What is the significance of adrenergic receptors?

They bind to epinephrine and norepinephrine and mediate sympathetic responses.

What is a 'ganglion' in the context of the peripheral nervous system?

A group of neural cell bodies located in the PNS.

Which neurotransmitter is associated with cholinergic neurons?

Acetylcholine.

What is the primary function of cholinergic receptors?

They bind to acetylcholine to mediate responses.

Name one class of adrenergic receptors.

Alpha or beta adrenergic receptors.

What type of muscle is primarily influenced by the autonomic nervous system?

Smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands.

Define 'enteric division'.

A division of the autonomic nervous system that governs digestion.

Which part of the nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements?

The somatic nervous system.

What is the difference between afferent and efferent pathways?

Afferent pathways carry impulses to the CNS, whereas efferent pathways carry impulses away from the CNS.

What physiological state does the parasympathetic nervous system promote?

It promotes a state of rest and digest.

Name a key characteristic of sympathetic postganglionic neurons.

They generally have long axons that release norepinephrine.

What happens to heart rate during sympathetic activation?

Heart rate increases.

What is the role of the autonomic nervous system during digestion?

To regulate digestive processes and control organ functions.

What is the outcome of a 'fight or flight' response in the body?

Increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity.

What physiological changes occur from the activation of parasympathetic responses?

Decreased heart rate, constricted pupils, and increased digestive activity.

Describe the function of sensory receptors in the nervous system.

They detect stimuli from the internal and external environment.

What type of muscle does the somatic nervous system innervate?

Skeletal muscle.

What type of receptors detect pain?

Nociceptors.

What are the major types of sensory receptors based on stimulus type?

Mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, nociceptors, photoreceptors, chemoreceptors.

What is the difference between rapidly adapting and slowly adapting receptors?

Rapidly adapting receptors respond quickly to changes, whereas slowly adapting receptors respond consistently to prolonged stimuli.

What is a target effector in the context of autonomic function?

A structure that responds to signals from the autonomic nervous system, such as muscles or glands.

Name one type of mechanoreceptor.

Pacinian corpuscle.

What is the overall role of the autonomic nervous system?

To control involuntary body functions and maintain homeostasis.