14. The Autonomic Nervous System

Describe the anatomical relationship of the white and gray rami communicantes to the spinal nerve, and indicate the kind of fibers found in each ramus type.

What are the major components of (c) the enteric nervous system?

Which of the effects listed in response to question 9 would be reversed by parasympathetic activity?

All preganglionic autonomic fibers release______at their axon terminals, and the effects are always_____. (a) norepinephrine, inhibitory, (b) norepinephrine, excitatory, (c) acetylcholine, excitatory, (d) acetylcholine, inhibitory.

Which three collateral ganglia serve as origins for ganglionic neurons that innervate organs or tissues in the abdominopelvic region?

What two distinctive results are produced by the stimulation of sympathetic ganglionic neurons?

Which four pairs of cranial nerves are associated with the cranial segment of the parasympathetic division of the ANS?

Which six plexuses in the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities innervate visceral organs, and what are the effects of sympathetic versus parasympathetic stimulation?

Dual innervation refers to situations in which (a) vital organs receive instructions from both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers, (b) the atria and ventricles of the heart receive autonomic stimulation from the same nerves, (c) sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers have similar effects, (d) all of these are correct.

Why does sympathetic function remain intact even when the anterior roots of the cervical spinal nerves are damaged?

During sympathetic stimulation, a person may begin to feel 'on edge'; this is the result of (a) increased energy metabolism by muscle tissue, (b) increased cardiovascular activity, (c) stimulation of the reticular activating system, (d) temporary insensitivity to painful stimuli, (e) decreased levels of epinephrine in the blood.

Under which of the following circumstances would the diameter of peripheral blood vessels be greatest? (a) increased sympathetic stimulation, (b) decreased sympathetic stimulation, (c) increased parasympathetic stimulation, (d) decreased parasympathetic stimulation, (e) both increased parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation.

You are home alone at night when you hear what sounds like breaking glass. What physiological effects would this experience probably produce, and what would be their cause?

The condition known as shock is characterized in part by a decreased return of venous blood to the heart. How could an upsetting situation, such as the sight of a tragic accident or very bad news, produce some temporary symptoms of shock?