Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

14. The Autonomic Nervous System

Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System

Anatomy & Physiology

14. The Autonomic Nervous System

Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of sympathetic pathways in the autonomic nervous system?

Use of acetylcholine as the primary neurotransmitter at the effector organ

Short preganglionic and long postganglionic fibers

Ganglia located close to or within target organs

Originates from craniosacral regions of the spinal cord

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, while the parasympathetic system handles 'rest and digest' functions.

Recall the structural organization of sympathetic pathways. Sympathetic pathways typically have short preganglionic fibers and long postganglionic fibers. This is because the sympathetic ganglia are located near the spinal cord, not close to the target organs.

Compare the neurotransmitter usage in sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. In sympathetic pathways, acetylcholine is used at the preganglionic synapse, but norepinephrine is typically the neurotransmitter at the effector organ. This distinguishes it from parasympathetic pathways, which use acetylcholine at both synapses.

Identify the origin of sympathetic pathways. Sympathetic fibers originate from the thoracolumbar regions of the spinal cord, not the craniosacral regions. The craniosacral origin is characteristic of parasympathetic pathways.

Evaluate the options provided in the question. Based on the structural and functional characteristics of the sympathetic system, the correct answer is 'Short preganglionic and long postganglionic fibers,' as this is a defining feature of sympathetic pathways.