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
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology24
- Ch. 2 The Chemistry of Life37
- Ch. 3 The Cell54
- Ch. 4 Histology46
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System30
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Tissue36
- Ch. 7 The Skeletal System40
- Ch. 8 Articulations19
- Ch. 9 The Muscular System35
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue and Physiology29
- Ch. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue28
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System41
- 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 Heart28
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System II: The Blood Vessels43
- Ch. 19 Blood32
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Immunity41
- 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
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 14, Problem 6
Explain what happens when sympathetic neurons stimulate the adrenal medulla. What purpose does this serve?
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Sympathetic neurons release acetylcholine at the synapse with the adrenal medulla's chromaffin cells, which are specialized neuroendocrine cells.
The acetylcholine binds to nicotinic receptors on the chromaffin cells, triggering a cascade of intracellular signaling that leads to the release of catecholamines.
The adrenal medulla secretes two primary catecholamines: epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), directly into the bloodstream.
These catecholamines act as hormones, traveling through the blood to target tissues, where they bind to adrenergic receptors and initiate the 'fight or flight' response.
The purpose of this response is to prepare the body for immediate action by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, mobilizing energy stores, and redirecting blood flow to essential organs like muscles and the brain.
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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 responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response. It prepares the body to respond to stress or danger by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to essential organs. This system is activated during stressful situations, leading to physiological changes that enhance survival.
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Sympathetic Nervous System Example 3
Adrenal Medulla
The adrenal medulla is the inner part of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney. It plays a crucial role in the stress response by secreting hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine into the bloodstream. These hormones amplify the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased energy availability and heightened alertness.
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Hormonal Response to Stress
When sympathetic neurons stimulate the adrenal medulla, they trigger the release of catecholamines, primarily adrenaline and norepinephrine. This hormonal response enhances the body's ability to cope with stress by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy production. It serves to prepare the body for immediate physical action, ensuring that it can respond effectively to perceived threats.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Many chemical warfare agents, such as the poisonous gas sarin, block the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft. What effects will this poison have on muscle contraction? What effects will it have on the autonomic nervous system? What symptoms would you expect to see from this poison?
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Textbook Question
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.
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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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