Student Notes: Chapter 15 - The Autonomic Nervous System

I. Overview of the Nervous System Divisions

 Central Nervous System (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal
cord.
 Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes cranial and spinal
nerves.
o Sensory Division: Detects internal and external stimuli.
o Motor Division: Responds to stimuli via muscle movements or
gland secretions.
 Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary
movements.
 Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Regulates
involuntary responses (general visceral motor system).

II. Characteristics of Somatic vs. Autonomic Nervous System

 Somatic Nervous System:
o Effectors: Skeletal muscles.
o Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine (ACh) - always stimulatory.
o Neurons: Highly myelinated, single motor neuron.
 Autonomic Nervous System:
o Effectors: Cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, glands.
o Pathways: Two-neuron chain (preganglionic and postganglionic
neurons).
 Preganglionic Neurons: Release ACh (lightly
myelinated).
 Postganglionic Neurons: Release ACh or norepinephrine
(NE) (unmyelinated).
o Divisions: Sympathetic (fight or
flight) and Parasympathetic (rest and digest).

III. Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System

1. Sympathetic Division ("Thoracolumbar System"):
o Origin: Thoracic and lumbar regions (T1-L2).
o Function: Prepares body for stress; increases heart rate, dilates
pupils.
o Neurotransmitters: Uses ACh at the first synapse, NE at the
second.
o Ganglia: Close to the spinal cord (sympathetic chain ganglia).
o Examples:
 Celiac ganglion: Affects the liver, stomach, pancreas.
 Adrenal Medulla: Releases epinephrine and NE into the
bloodstream.
2. Parasympathetic Division ("Craniosacral System"):
o Origin: Cranial (brainstem) and sacral regions (S2-S4).
 o Function: Promotes relaxation; decreases heart rate, constricts
pupils.
o Neurotransmitters: ACh at both synapses.
o Ganglia: Located near or within target organs.
o Examples:
 Vagus Nerve (CN X): Reduces heart rate, increases
digestion.
 Pelvic Splanchnic Nerves: Involved in urination and
sexual arousal.

IV. Autonomic Reflexes and Homeostasis

 Reflexes maintain homeostasis through rapid responses.
o Somatic Reflexes: Involve skeletal muscles.
o Visceral Reflexes: Control smooth muscle, cardiac muscle,
glands.
 Reflex Arc Components:
1. Receptor detects stimulus.
2. Sensory neuron transmits signal.
3. CNS processes information.
4. Motor neuron sends response.
5. Effector carries out action.

V. Neurotransmitters and Receptors

 Cholinergic Receptors (bind ACh):
o Nicotinic: Always stimulatory (found in ganglia and skeletal
muscle).
o Muscarinic: Can be stimulatory or inhibitory (found on
parasympathetic target organs).
 Adrenergic Receptors (bind NE or epinephrine):
o Alpha Receptors: Generally stimulatory.
o Beta Receptors: Generally inhibitory (except Beta-1 which
stimulates the heart).

VI. Effects of Drugs on the Autonomic Nervous System

1. Nicotinic Agonists (e.g., Nicotine): Stimulate both sympathetic and
parasympathetic systems, can increase blood pressure.
2. Sympathomimetic Drugs (e.g., Phenylephrine): Enhance
sympathetic activity.
3. Sympatholytic Drugs (e.g., Beta-blockers like Propranolol): Inhibit
sympathetic effects.
4. Parasympathomimetic Drugs (e.g., Pilocarpine): Enhance
parasympathetic activity.
5. Anticholinergics (e.g., Atropine): Block parasympathetic functions,
increasing sympathetic tone.

Comprehensive Exam: 50 Questions

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which neurotransmitter is released by all ANS preganglionic neurons?
a) Epinephrine
b) Dopamine
c) Acetylcholine
d) Norepinephrine
Answer: c) Acetylcholine
2. The sympathetic nervous system is also known as the: a) Craniosacral
system
b) Thoracolumbar system
c) Enteric nervous system
d) Central nervous system
Answer: b) Thoracolumbar system
3. Which cranial nerve is responsible for decreasing heart rate? a) CN III
(Oculomotor)
b) CN VII (Facial)
c) CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
d) CN X (Vagus)
Answer: d) CN X (Vagus)
4. Which adrenergic receptor subtype is typically inhibitory? a) Alpha-1
b) Alpha-2
c) Beta-1
d) Beta-2
Answer: d) Beta-2
5. What effect does the parasympathetic division have on the
bronchioles? a) Dilates them
b) Constricts them
c) Increases mucus production
d) No effect
Answer: b) Constricts them

Short Answer Questions

1. Describe the difference between nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in
terms of their location and effect.
o Answer: Nicotinic receptors are found in ganglia and skeletal
muscle; they are always stimulatory. Muscarinic receptors are
located on parasympathetic target organs and can be either
stimulatory or inhibitory depending on the target tissue.
2. What are the physiological effects of a sympathetic response during a
"fight or flight" scenario?
o Answer: Increases heart rate, dilates pupils, inhibits digestion,
and increases blood flow to muscles.

True or False
1. The adrenal medulla releases acetylcholine into the bloodstream.
 o Answer: False (It releases epinephrine and norepinephrine).
2. Beta-blockers are considered sympathomimetic drugs.
o Answer: False (They are sympatholytic drugs).

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Comprehensive Study Guide: Chapter 15 - The Autonomic Nervous

System (ANS)

I. Overview of the Nervous System

 The Nervous System is divided into:
o Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord.
o Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Cranial and spinal nerves.
 Sensory Division: Detects internal and external stimuli
(like pain, touch, temperature).
 Motor Division: Responds to stimuli with movements
(muscles) or secretions (glands).
 Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary
movements (e.g., moving your arm).
 Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Controls
involuntary actions (e.g., heart rate, digestion).

II. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Basics

 Effectors (Target Organs):
o Somatic Nervous System: Targets skeletal muscles.
o Autonomic Nervous System: Targets cardiac muscle, smooth
muscle, and glands.
 Neurotransmitters:
o Somatic Nervous System: Uses Acetylcholine (ACh) which
always excites muscles.
o Autonomic Nervous System:
 Preganglionic neurons release ACh.
 Postganglionic neurons release ACh
or Norepinephrine (NE), depending on the division.
III. Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System
The ANS is divided into two main parts:
1. Sympathetic Division ("Fight or Flight")
o Origin: Thoracic and lumbar regions (T1-L2).
o Function: Prepares body for emergencies (e.g., increases heart
rate, dilates pupils).
o Ganglia: Close to the spinal cord (Sympathetic Chain Ganglia).
o Neurotransmitters:
 First synapse: ACh
 Second synapse: NE or Epinephrine (from adrenal medulla)
2. Parasympathetic Division ("Rest and Digest")
o Origin: Cranial (brainstem) and sacral regions (S2-S4).
o Function: Promotes relaxation (e.g., slows heart rate, stimulates
digestion).
o Ganglia: Near or within target organs (e.g., heart, lungs,
digestive organs).
o Neurotransmitters: ACh at both synapses.

IV. Key Functions of Each Division

Sympathetic (Fight or Parasympathetic (Rest and
Function
Flight) Digest)
Increases heart rate &
Heart Decreases heart rate
force of contraction
Dilates bronchioles
Lungs Constricts bronchioles
(increases airflow)
Dilates (allows more light
Pupils Constricts (reduces light intake)
in)
Digestive Decreases activity (inhibits Increases activity (promotes
Tract digestion) digestion)
Relaxes bladder wall Contracts bladder (promotes
Bladder
(inhibits urination) urination)
Reproductive Ejaculation in males, Erection in males, increased
Organs contraction in females lubrication in females

V. ANS Pathways and Neurotransmitter Effects

 Two-neuron chain in the ANS:
o Preganglionic neuron: Originates in CNS, releases ACh.
o Postganglionic neuron: Originates in ganglion, releases ACh or
NE.
 Sympathetic Effects:
o NE and Epinephrine can increase heart rate, dilate bronchi, or
increase blood pressure.
 Parasympathetic Effects:
o ACh can decrease heart rate, stimulate saliva production, and
increase digestive functions.
VI. Types of Receptors in the ANS
 Cholinergic Receptors (bind ACh):
o Nicotinic Receptors: Always excitatory, found in ganglia and
skeletal muscle.
o Muscarinic Receptors: Can be excitatory or inhibitory, found
on parasympathetic target organs.
 Adrenergic Receptors (bind NE or Epinephrine):
o Alpha (α) Receptors: Generally stimulatory (e.g.,
vasoconstriction).
o Beta (β) Receptors: Generally inhibitory, except for β1
receptors in the heart, which are excitatory.

VII. Drugs Affecting the ANS

1. Nicotinic Agonists (e.g., Nicotine): Activate both sympathetic and
parasympathetic systems.
2. Sympathomimetics (e.g., Phenylephrine): Enhance sympathetic
activity (e.g., increase blood pressure).
3. Sympatholytics (e.g., Beta-blockers like Propranolol): Reduce
sympathetic activity (e.g., lower heart rate).
4. Parasympathomimetics (e.g., Pilocarpine): Enhance
parasympathetic activity (e.g., stimulate saliva).
5. Anticholinergics (e.g., Atropine): Inhibit parasympathetic activity
(e.g., increase heart rate).

Exam Questions (50 Questions) with Answers and Rationales

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which neurotransmitter is released by all ANS preganglionic
neurons?
a) Dopamine
b) Norepinephrine
c) Epinephrine
d) Acetylcholine
Answer: d) Acetylcholine
Rationale: All ANS preganglionic neurons release ACh, regardless of
the division.
2. What effect does the parasympathetic nervous system have on
the heart?
a) Increases heart rate
b) Decreases heart rate
c) Dilates blood vessels
d) Causes vasoconstriction
Answer: b) Decreases heart rate
Rationale: The parasympathetic system slows down the heart to
conserve energy.
 3. Which division of the ANS is known as the "Thoracolumbar
System"?
a) Sympathetic
b) Parasympathetic
c) Somatic
d) Central
Answer: a) Sympathetic
Rationale: Sympathetic fibers originate from the thoracic and lumbar
regions of the spinal cord.
4. Which of the following receptors is stimulated by
norepinephrine?
a) Muscarinic
b) Nicotinic
c) Beta
d) Alpha
Answer: c) Beta and d) Alpha
Rationale: Both Alpha and Beta receptors respond to NE, but with
different effects on various organs.
5. What is the role of the vagus nerve in the autonomic nervous
system?
a) Increases heart rate
b) Decreases digestion
c) Stimulates the gallbladder
d) Controls voluntary muscle movement
Answer: c) Stimulates the gallbladder
Rationale: The vagus nerve primarily controls parasympathetic
activities like stimulating digestion.

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Nervous System (ANS). These questions are designed to help you prepare
thoroughly for your exam.

Comprehensive Exam: 40 Questions on the Autonomic Nervous

System

Multiple Choice Questions (25 Questions)

1. Which part of the nervous system controls involuntary
functions like heart rate and digestion?
a) Somatic Nervous System
b) Central Nervous System
c) Autonomic Nervous System
d) Sensory Nervous System
Answer: c) Autonomic Nervous System
Rationale: The ANS is responsible for regulating involuntary functions.
2. Which neurotransmitter is released by all ANS preganglionic
neurons?
a) Dopamine
b) Acetylcholine (ACh)
c) Norepinephrine (NE)
d) Epinephrine
Answer: b) Acetylcholine (ACh)
Rationale: All preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and
parasympathetic divisions release ACh.
3. What is the main function of the sympathetic division?
a) Rest and digest
b) Fight or flight
c) Control voluntary movements
d) Sensory input
Answer: b) Fight or flight
Rationale: The sympathetic division prepares the body for emergency
situations.
4. The parasympathetic nervous system primarily uses which
neurotransmitter at both synapses?
a) Serotonin
b) Dopamine
c) Acetylcholine
d) Norepinephrine
Answer: c) Acetylcholine
Rationale: ACh is used at both preganglionic and postganglionic
synapses in the parasympathetic division.
5. Which cranial nerve is crucial for parasympathetic control of
the heart, lungs, and digestive tract?
a) CN III (Oculomotor)
b) CN VII (Facial)
c) CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
d) CN X (Vagus)
Answer: d) CN X (Vagus)
Rationale: The Vagus nerve is a major component of the
parasympathetic system.
6. What effect does the sympathetic nervous system have on the
pupils?
a) Constricts them
 b) Dilates them
c) No effect
d) Causes them to tear
Answer: b) Dilates them
Rationale: The sympathetic system dilates the pupils to allow more
light in during a “fight or flight” response.
7. Where are the ganglia of the parasympathetic nervous system
typically located?
a) Near the spinal cord
b) Near or within the target organs
c) In the brainstem
d) In the sympathetic chain
Answer: b) Near or within the target organs
Rationale: Parasympathetic ganglia are close to or within the organs
they innervate.
8. What is the nickname for the parasympathetic division?
a) Fight or Flight
b) Rest and Digest
c) Quick Response
d) Emergency Mode
Answer: b) Rest and Digest
Rationale: The parasympathetic system is associated with conserving
energy and promoting digestion.
9. Which receptors are found on all postganglionic neurons in the
ANS?
a) Muscarinic
b) Nicotinic
c) Beta
d) Alpha
Answer: b) Nicotinic
Rationale: Nicotinic receptors are located on all ganglionic neurons.
10. Which adrenergic receptor type is primarily responsible
for increasing heart rate?
a) Alpha-1
b) Alpha-2
c) Beta-1
d) Beta-2
Answer: c) Beta-1
Rationale: Beta-1 receptors are stimulatory and increase heart rate
and force of contraction.
11. What neurotransmitter is released by most sympathetic
postganglionic neurons?
a) Acetylcholine
b) Dopamine
c) Norepinephrine
d) Serotonin
 Answer: c) Norepinephrine
Rationale: Most sympathetic postganglionic neurons release
norepinephrine.
12. Which sympathetic effect is mediated by the adrenal
medulla?
a) Direct stimulation of skeletal muscles
b) Release of acetylcholine into the bloodstream
c) Release of epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream
d) Vasodilation of the digestive tract
Answer: c) Release of epinephrine and norepinephrine into the
bloodstream
Rationale: The adrenal medulla releases these hormones to enhance
the sympathetic response.
13. Which drug type increases parasympathetic tone?
a) Sympathomimetic
b) Anticholinergic
c) Parasympathomimetic
d) Beta-blocker
Answer: c) Parasympathomimetic
Rationale: Parasympathomimetic drugs enhance parasympathetic
activity.
14. A sudden increase in blood pressure would likely activate
which autonomic reflex?
a) Vasoconstriction
b) Baroreceptor reflex
c) Fight or flight response
d) Thermoregulatory reflex
Answer: b) Baroreceptor reflex
Rationale: Baroreceptors detect changes in blood pressure and adjust
autonomic activity accordingly.
15. What is the role of the hypothalamus in the ANS?
a) Controls voluntary muscle movements
b) Serves as the relay center for sensory information
c) Regulates autonomic functions and homeostasis
d) Processes visual stimuli
Answer: c) Regulates autonomic functions and homeostasis

True or False Questions (15 Questions)

16. The parasympathetic division is also known as the
“thoracolumbar” system.
Answer: False (It is known as the “craniosacral” system)
17. Nicotinic receptors are always inhibitory.
Answer: False (They are always stimulatory)
18. The sympathetic system increases digestive activity.
Answer: False (It decreases digestive activity)
 19. Sympatholytic drugs decrease sympathetic activity.
Answer: True
20. Muscarinic receptors are found on all parasympathetic
target organs.
Answer: True
21. Beta-blockers are used to increase heart rate.
Answer: False (They decrease heart rate)
22. All preganglionic neurons are cholinergic.
Answer: True
23. The vagus nerve primarily stimulates the sympathetic
division.
Answer: False (It stimulates the parasympathetic division)
24. Referred pain occurs due to irregular projection of
visceral sensations.
Answer: True
25. Sympathomimetic drugs mimic the effects of the
parasympathetic system.
Answer: False (They mimic sympathetic effects)
26. Beta-2 adrenergic receptors are usually inhibitory.
Answer: True
27. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter for the sympathetic
postganglionic neurons innervating sweat glands.
Answer: True
28. The adrenal medulla is directly innervated by
preganglionic neurons.
Answer: True
29. The sympathetic chain ganglia contain synapses for
parasympathetic fibers.
Answer: False (It contains sympathetic fibers)
30. The heart is only innervated by the sympathetic nervous
system.
Answer: False (It is innervated by both the sympathetic and
parasympathetic systems)
Certainly! Here’s a set of **fill-in-the-blank questions** based on the bolded
terms and definitions from the student notes I created for you. These
questions will help you reinforce your understanding of the key concepts
related to the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).

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### **Fill-in-the-Blank Exam: Chapter 15 - The Autonomic Nervous System**

---

1. The **__________** is the division of the nervous system responsible for

regulating involuntary actions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.
2. The **__________** consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the
**__________** includes cranial and spinal nerves.

3. The **__________** division of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) detects

internal and external stimuli, while the **__________** division responds to
stimuli by causing muscle movements or glandular secretions.

4. The **__________** Nervous System controls voluntary movements, such

as moving your arm.

5. The **__________** Nervous System controls involuntary actions and is

sometimes referred to as the "general visceral motor system."

6. The **effectors** of the **__________** Nervous System are skeletal

muscles, while the effectors of the **__________** Nervous System are cardiac
muscle, smooth muscle, and glands.

7. The neurotransmitter **__________** is always excitatory and is used in the

synapses of the Somatic Nervous System.

8. The Autonomic Nervous System operates through a **two-neuron chain**

consisting of a **__________** neuron and a **__________** neuron.

9. The **__________** division of the ANS is known as the "fight or flight"

system.

10. The **__________** division of the ANS is responsible for the "rest and
digest" functions.

11. Sympathetic fibers originate from the **__________** and **__________**

regions of the spinal cord.

12. Parasympathetic fibers originate from the **__________** (brainstem) and

**__________** regions of the spinal cord.

13. In the Sympathetic division, the **__________** ganglia are located close
to the spinal cord, while in the Parasympathetic division, the ganglia are
located near or within the **__________**.

14. The **__________** nerve (CN X) is the most significant nerve of the
parasympathetic division, controlling heart rate, breathing, and digestion.

15. The **__________** gland releases the hormones **epinephrine** and

**norepinephrine** into the bloodstream to enhance the sympathetic
response.
16. The receptors that bind **Acetylcholine (ACh)** include **__________**
receptors, which are always stimulatory, and **__________** receptors, which
can be stimulatory or inhibitory depending on the target tissue.

17. **__________** receptors are generally stimulatory and are found in blood
vessels, while **__________** receptors are generally inhibitory and are
located on sympathetic target organs.

18. **__________** drugs mimic the effects of the sympathetic division, while
**__________** drugs inhibit sympathetic activity.

19. The **__________** reflex is a rapid, automatic response that helps

maintain homeostasis by adjusting the function of organs.

20. **__________** receptors, found in the walls of the aorta and carotid
sinuses, detect changes in blood pressure and help regulate the body's
response.

21. The **__________** is the control center for many homeostatic

mechanisms, including the regulation of autonomic and endocrine functions.

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These fill-in-the-blank questions directly correlate with the terms and

concepts you need to know. By practicing these questions, you'll reinforce
your understanding of the material and be well-prepared for your exam. Let
me know if you need any more practice questions or additional clarification
on any topic!