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

18. The Heart

Electrical Conduction System of the Heart

Anatomy & Physiology

18. The Heart

Electrical Conduction System of the Heart

Previous problemNext problem

Problem 7

Textbook Question

Which four ganglia serve as origins for postganglionic fibers involved in control of visceral structures in the head?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that ganglia are clusters of neuronal cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system, and postganglionic fibers are axons that extend from these ganglia to target organs or structures.

Recall that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, and the parasympathetic division is primarily responsible for controlling visceral structures in the head.

Identify the four parasympathetic ganglia in the head that serve as origins for postganglionic fibers: the ciliary ganglion, pterygopalatine ganglion, submandibular ganglion, and otic ganglion.

Associate each ganglion with its specific cranial nerve: the ciliary ganglion is associated with the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III), the pterygopalatine ganglion with the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), the submandibular ganglion with the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), and the otic ganglion with the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).

Understand that these ganglia send postganglionic fibers to control various structures in the head, such as the eye (ciliary ganglion), lacrimal glands and nasal mucosa (pterygopalatine ganglion), salivary glands (submandibular and otic ganglia), and other related structures.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Ganglia

Ganglia are clusters of neuronal cell bodies located in the peripheral nervous system. They serve as relay points for transmitting signals between the central nervous system and various body parts. In the context of visceral control, ganglia play a crucial role in processing autonomic signals that regulate involuntary functions.

Postganglionic Fibers

Postganglionic fibers are the axons of neurons that extend from ganglia to target organs or tissues. These fibers are part of the autonomic nervous system and are responsible for transmitting signals that influence functions such as heart rate, digestion, and glandular secretion. Understanding their pathways is essential for grasping how visceral control is achieved.

Visceral Structures

Visceral structures refer to the internal organs and systems within the body, particularly those involved in autonomic functions like digestion, respiration, and circulation. The control of these structures is primarily managed by the autonomic nervous system, which includes both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, influencing how the body responds to internal and external stimuli.