14. The Autonomic Nervous System

What three functional groups of neurons are found in the nervous system? What is the function of each type of neuron?

All of the following characterize the ANS except

a. A two-neuron efferent chain

b. Presence of neuron cell bodies in the CNS

c. Presence of neuron cell bodies in the ganglia

d. Innervation of skeletal muscles

Mr. Johnson suffers from urinary retention and a hypoactive urinary bladder. Bethanechol, a drug that mimics acetylcholine's autonomic effects, is prescribed to manage his problem. First explain the rationale for prescribing bethanechol, and then predict which of the following adverse effects Mr. Johnson might experience while taking this drug (select all that apply): dizziness, low blood pressure, deficient tear formation, wheezing, increased mucus production in bronchi, deficient salivation, diarrhea, cramping, excessive sweating, undesirable erection of penis.

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

d. The crossed-extension reflex occurs simultaneously with the simple stretch reflex.

Effects produced by the parasympathetic branch of the ANS include

(a) Dilation of the pupils

(b) Increased secretion by digestive glands

(c) Dilation of respiratory passages

(d) Increased heart rate

(e) Increased breakdown of glycogen by the liver

Starting in the spinal cord, trace an action potential through the sympathetic division of the ANS until it reaches a target organ in the abdominopelvic region.

A 32-year-old woman complains of intermittent aching pains in the medial two fingers of both hands. During such episodes, the fingers become blanched and then blue. Her history is taken, and it is noted that she is a heavy smoker. The physician advises her that she must stop smoking and states that she will not prescribe any medication until the patient has discontinued smoking for a month. What is this patient's condition, and why was she told to stop smoking?

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

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

Which of the following is the primary functional difference between the somatic nervous system (SNS) and autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Central nervous system control over the ANS is mediated by:

a. The reticular formation

b. The hypothalamus

c. The thalamus

d. Both a and b

Relate each of the following terms or phrases to either the sympathetic (S) or parasympathetic (P) division of the autonomic nervous system: 

______ (7) Generally short-duration action 

______ (8) Increases heart rate and blood pressure 

______ (9) Increases gastric motility and secretion of lacrimal, salivary, and digestive juices 

______ (10) Innervates blood vessels 

______ (11) Most active when you are relaxing in a hammock 

______ (12) Active when you are running in the Boston Marathon

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?