Biology 235 Human Anatomy and Physiology

Study Guide

Chapter 15
The Autonomic Nervous System

Objectives

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. compare the structural and functional characteristics of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
2. describe preganglionic and postganglionic neurons of the autonomic nervous system.
3. compare the anatomical components of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
4. describe the neurotransmitters and receptors involved in autonomic responses.
5. describe the major responses of the body to stimulation by the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS.
6. describe the components of an autonomic reflex.
7. explain the relationship of the hypothalamus to the autonomic nervous system.

Keywords and Topics

Make certain that you can define, and use in context, each of the terms listed below, and that you understand the significance of each of the concepts.

1. Compare the structural and functional characteristics of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
   1. comparison of somatic and autonomic nervous systems
      1. somatic nervous systems
      2. autonomic sensory neurons
         1. interoceptors
      3. autonomic motor neurons
      4. autonomic ganglion
      5. sympathetic division
      6. parasympathetic division
      7. dual innervation
2. Describe preganglionic and postganglionic neurons of the autonomic nervous system.
   1. anatomy of autonomic motor pathways
      1. preganglionic neurons
      2. thoracolumbar division
      3. thoracolumbar outflow
      4. craniosacral division
      5. craniosacral outflow
      6. autonomic ganglia (no specifics on each individual ganglia)
         1. sympathetic ganglia
         2. sympathetic trunk ganglia (or vertebral chain ganglia or paravertebral ganglia)
         3. prevertebral ganglia (or collateral ganglia)
         4. parasympathetic ganglia
         5. terminal ganglia (or intramural ganglia)
      7. postganglionic neurons
      8. autonomic plexuses: cardiac, pulmonary, celiac, superior and inferior mesenteric; hypogastric, renal
3. Compare the anatomical components of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
   1. structure of the sympathetic division
      1. white ramus (plural is rami)—white rami communicantes
      2. gray ramus (plural is rami)—gray rami communicantes
      3. Horner’s syndrome
   2. structure of the parasympathetic division
      1. cranial parasympathetic outflow
      2. sacral parasympathetic outflow
      3. pelvic splachnic nerves
   3. enteric division
      1. myenteric plexus
      2. submucosal plexus
4. Describe the neurotransmitters and receptors involved in autonomic responses.
   1. ANS neurotransmitters and receptors
      1. cholinergic neurons
         1. acetylcholine (ACh)
      2. cholinergic receptors
         1. nicotinic receptors
         2. muscarinic receptors
         3. acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
      3. adrenergic neurons
         1. norepinephrine (NE) or noradrenalin
      4. adrenergic receptors
         1. alpha (1 and 2) receptors and beta (1, 2, and 3) receptors
      5. receptor agonists and receptor antagonists
5. Describe the major responses of the body to stimulation by the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS.
   1. physiological effects of the ANS
      1. autonomic tone
      2. sympathetic responses
         1. fight-or-flight response
      3. parasympathetic responses
         1. rest-and-digest
6. Describe the components of an autonomic reflex.
   1. autonomic reflexes
      1. receptor
      2. sensory neuron
      3. integrating centre
      4. motor neuron
      5. effector
   2. autonomic control by higher centers

Complete the “Chapter Review and Resource Summary” at the end of the chapter.

Use the “Practice Questions” and the various “Interactivity” tools found in each eText chapter in WileyPLUS. Working through these activities will test your understanding of the material presented and ensure your notes are complete.