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Ch. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology 12th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 12th EditionCh. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order FunctionsProblem 18
Chapter 16, Problem 18

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

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Identify the six major autonomic plexuses located in the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities that innervate visceral organs. These typically include the cardiac plexus, pulmonary plexus, esophageal plexus, celiac (solar) plexus, superior mesenteric plexus, and inferior mesenteric plexus.
Understand that these plexuses contain a network of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers that regulate the function of internal organs by modulating activities such as heart rate, digestion, and glandular secretion.
Recall that sympathetic stimulation generally prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, which include increasing heart rate and force, dilating bronchioles, decreasing digestive activity, and constricting blood vessels to non-essential organs.
Recognize that parasympathetic stimulation promotes 'rest and digest' activities, such as slowing the heart rate, constricting bronchioles, increasing digestive secretions and motility, and promoting energy storage.
Summarize the contrasting effects by associating each plexus with the organs it innervates and describing how sympathetic and parasympathetic inputs alter the function of those organs through these plexuses.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Thoracic and Abdominopelvic Plexuses

These six major autonomic plexuses—cardiac, pulmonary, esophageal, celiac, superior mesenteric, and inferior mesenteric—are networks of nerves located in the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. They distribute autonomic fibers to visceral organs, coordinating functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory activity.
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Sympathetic Nervous System Effects

Sympathetic stimulation prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses by increasing heart rate, dilating bronchi, inhibiting digestion, and constricting blood vessels. It generally activates visceral organs to respond to stress or emergencies, promoting energy mobilization and alertness.
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Parasympathetic Nervous System Effects

Parasympathetic stimulation supports 'rest and digest' activities by slowing heart rate, constricting bronchi, stimulating digestion, and promoting energy storage. It helps maintain homeostasis during restful states by enhancing organ functions related to recovery and nutrient absorption.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

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.

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Textbook Question

Damage to the hippocampus, a component of the limbic system, leads to

(a) A loss of emotion due to forgetfulness

(b) A loss of consciousness

(c) A loss of long-term memory

(d) An immediate loss of short-term memory

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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

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

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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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