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

The preganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic division originate in the ______.

cervical spinal cord

thoracic and lumbar spinal cord

brainstem and sacral spinal cord

sympathetic chain ganglia

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the organization of the autonomic nervous system, which is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. The parasympathetic division is responsible for 'rest and digest' functions, while the sympathetic division handles 'fight or flight' responses.

Recall that preganglionic neurons are the first neurons in the autonomic pathway. They originate in the central nervous system (CNS) and synapse with postganglionic neurons in peripheral ganglia.

Identify the anatomical origin of the parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. These neurons originate in two specific regions: the brainstem (cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X) and the sacral spinal cord (S2-S4).

Compare this with the sympathetic division, where preganglionic neurons originate in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord (T1-L2) and synapse in the sympathetic chain ganglia or other ganglia.

Conclude that the correct answer is 'brainstem and sacral spinal cord,' as these are the regions where parasympathetic preganglionic neurons originate.