Textbook Question
The neurotransmitter at all synapses and neuromuscular or neuroglandular junctions in the parasympathetic division of the ANS is
(a) Epinephrine
(b) Norepinephrine
(c) Cyclic-AMP
(d) Acetylcholine
Ch. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology25
- Ch. 2 The Chemical Level of Organization34
- Ch. 3 The Cellular Level of Organization29
- Ch. 4 The Tissue Level of Organization24
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System17
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Structure33
- Ch. 7 The Axial Skeleton11
- Ch. 8 The Appendicular Skeleton17
- Ch. 9 Joints13
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue12
- Ch. 11 The Muscular System28
- Ch. 12 Nervous Tissue18
- Ch. 13 The Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and Spinal Reflexes22
- Ch. 14 The Brain and Cranial Nerves20
- Ch. 15 Sensory Pathways and the Somatic Nervous System17
- Ch. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions30
- Ch. 17 The Special Senses15
- Ch. 18 The Endocrine System21
- Ch. 19 Blood31
- Ch. 20 The Heart31
- Ch. 21 Blood Vessels and Circulation26
- Ch. 22 The Lymphatic System and Immunity25
- Ch. 23 The Respiratory System4
- Ch. 24 The Digestive System18
- Ch. 26 The Urinary System31
- Ch. 27 Fluids & Electrolytes30
- Ch. 28 The Reproductive System12
- Ch. 29 Development and Inheritance17
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011Not the one you use?Change textbook
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Martini, Nath, Bartholomew 12th EditionCh. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order FunctionsProblem 14
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew 12th EditionCh. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order FunctionsProblem 14Chapter 16, Problem 14
How does the emergence of sympathetic fibers from the spinal cord differ from the emergence of parasympathetic fibers?
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the anatomical origins of both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers in the spinal cord and brainstem. Sympathetic fibers emerge from the thoracolumbar region, while parasympathetic fibers emerge from the craniosacral regions.
Step 2: Identify the specific spinal cord segments involved in sympathetic fiber emergence. These fibers originate from the lateral horn of the spinal cord between the T1 and L2 (thoracic and lumbar) segments.
Step 3: Recognize that parasympathetic fibers arise from the brainstem nuclei associated with cranial nerves (III, VII, IX, and X) and from the sacral spinal cord segments S2 to S4.
Step 4: Note the difference in the length of preganglionic fibers: sympathetic preganglionic fibers are relatively short because they synapse in ganglia close to the spinal cord, whereas parasympathetic preganglionic fibers are long, synapsing in ganglia near or within the target organs.
Step 5: Summarize the key difference: sympathetic fibers emerge from the thoracolumbar spinal cord segments and have short preganglionic fibers, while parasympathetic fibers emerge from cranial and sacral regions with long preganglionic fibers.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Sympathetic Nervous System Origin
Sympathetic fibers emerge from the thoracolumbar region of the spinal cord, specifically from the lateral horns of spinal segments T1 to L2. These fibers are part of the sympathetic chain and prepare the body for 'fight or flight' responses by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood flow.
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Sympathetic Nervous System Example 3
Parasympathetic Nervous System Origin
Parasympathetic fibers arise from the craniosacral regions, including cranial nerves (III, VII, IX, X) and sacral spinal segments S2 to S4. This system promotes 'rest and digest' activities by slowing the heart rate, stimulating digestion, and conserving energy.
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Functional and Anatomical Differences in Fiber Emergence
The key difference lies in the anatomical locations and functions: sympathetic fibers emerge from the thoracolumbar spinal cord and have short preganglionic and long postganglionic fibers, while parasympathetic fibers emerge from cranial and sacral regions with long preganglionic and short postganglionic fibers, reflecting their distinct roles in autonomic regulation.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
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
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Textbook Question
What anatomical and functional changes in the brain are linked to alterations that occur with aging?
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Textbook Question
Which three collateral ganglia serve as origins for ganglionic neurons that innervate organs or tissues in the abdominopelvic region?
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Textbook Question
What two distinctive results are produced by the stimulation of sympathetic ganglionic neurons?
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Textbook Question
Which four pairs of cranial nerves are associated with the cranial segment of the parasympathetic division of the ANS?
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