Textbook Question
Which neurotransmitter(s) is/are used by sympathetic postganglionic neurons?
a. Epinephrine
b. Norepinephrine
c. Acetylcholine
d. Both a and b
e. All of the above
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Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology26
- Ch. 2 The Chemistry of Life38
- Ch. 3 The Cell55
- Ch. 4 Histology47
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System30
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Tissue36
- Ch. 7 The Skeletal System40
- Ch. 8 Articulations19
- Ch. 9 The Muscular System36
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue and Physiology29
- Ch. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue28
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System42
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System41
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis31
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses39
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System42
- Ch. 17 The Cardiovascular System I: The Heart30
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System II: The Blood Vessels43
- Ch. 19 Blood32
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Immunity45
- Ch. 21 The Respiratory System27
- Ch. 22 The Digestive System27
- Ch. 23 Metabolism and Nutrition7
- Ch. 24 The Urinary System39
- Ch. 25 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis39
- Ch. 26 The Reproductive System10
- Ch. 27 Development and Heredity5
Chapter 14, Problem 7
Which of the following actions would you expect when sympathetic neurons release norepinephrine onto β1 receptors?
a. Decreased sweat production
b. Constriction of blood vessels serving the digestive, urinary, and integumentary systems
c. Adjustment of the shape of the lens
d. Increase in the rate and force of contraction of the heart.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the role of sympathetic neurons in the autonomic nervous system. Sympathetic neurons are part of the 'fight or flight' response, which prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to essential organs like muscles.
Step 2: Learn about norepinephrine and its interaction with β1 receptors. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter released by sympathetic neurons, and β1 receptors are primarily found in the heart. Activation of β1 receptors leads to increased heart rate and stronger heart contractions.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the question. For each option, determine whether it aligns with the effects of norepinephrine binding to β1 receptors. For example, decreased sweat production (option a) is not related to β1 receptor activation, as sweat production is controlled by different receptors.
Step 4: Focus on the physiological effects of β1 receptor activation. Activation of β1 receptors specifically increases the rate and force of heart contractions, which is consistent with the body's need to pump more blood during a 'fight or flight' response.
Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options based on your understanding of β1 receptor activation and sympathetic nervous system functions. For example, constriction of blood vessels serving the digestive, urinary, and integumentary systems (option b) is mediated by α1 receptors, not β1 receptors. Adjustment of the shape of the lens (option c) is controlled by parasympathetic neurons, not sympathetic neurons.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Sympathetic Nervous System
The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses during stressful situations. It increases heart rate, dilates airways, and redirects blood flow to essential organs, enhancing physical performance. Understanding its role is crucial for interpreting how norepinephrine affects various body functions.
Recommended video:
1:21
Sympathetic Nervous System Example 3
Norepinephrine and β1 Receptors
Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that binds to adrenergic receptors, including β1 receptors, primarily found in the heart. Activation of β1 receptors leads to increased heart rate and contractility, which enhances cardiac output. This concept is essential for understanding the physiological effects of sympathetic stimulation on the heart.
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2:47Sensory Receptors
Physiological Responses to Sympathetic Activation
When sympathetic neurons are activated, various physiological responses occur, such as increased heart rate, blood vessel constriction, and altered glandular secretions. These responses are part of the body's mechanism to cope with stress. Recognizing these responses helps in predicting the outcomes of norepinephrine release on different organs and systems.
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5:03The Sympathetic Subway
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
b. Sympathetic stimulation increases sweat secretion.
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Textbook Question
Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
a. The parasympathetic nervous system generally decreases the secretion from digestive glands.
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Textbook Question
Differentiate between adrenergic and cholinergic receptors.
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Textbook Question
Mark each of the following as an effect of the sympathetic nervous system or the parasympathetic nervous system.
a. ________ Bronchodilation
b.________ Bronchoconstriction
c. ________ Constriction of pupil
d. ________ Vasoconstriction of blood vessels serving organs of digestive, urinary, and integumentary systems
e. ________ Increased metabolic rate
f. ________ Dilation of pupil
g.________ Contraction of smooth muscle of digestive tract
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Textbook Question
Explain what happens when sympathetic neurons stimulate the adrenal medulla. What purpose does this serve?
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