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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Problem 6

Textbook Question

Starting in the spinal cord, trace an action potential through the sympathetic division of the ANS until it reaches a target organ in the abdominopelvic region.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin with the spinal cord, specifically in the lateral horn of the thoracolumbar region (T1-L2), where the cell bodies of preganglionic neurons in the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are located. These neurons generate the action potential.

Step 2: The action potential travels along the axon of the preganglionic neuron, exiting the spinal cord through the ventral root. It then passes through the spinal nerve and enters the white rami communicantes, which are myelinated pathways leading to the sympathetic chain ganglia.

Step 3: In the sympathetic chain ganglia, the action potential may synapse with a postganglionic neuron. Alternatively, it may bypass the chain ganglia and travel through splanchnic nerves to reach prevertebral ganglia (e.g., celiac, superior mesenteric, or inferior mesenteric ganglia) located closer to the abdominopelvic region.

Step 4: If the action potential synapses in a prevertebral ganglion, the postganglionic neuron is activated. The action potential then travels along the axon of the postganglionic neuron, which extends toward the target organ in the abdominopelvic region.

Step 5: The action potential reaches the target organ (e.g., stomach, intestines, kidneys, or bladder) and triggers a physiological response, such as increased heart rate, vasoconstriction, or stimulation of digestive processes, depending on the specific organ and function.

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Key Concepts

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

Action Potential

An action potential is a rapid, temporary change in the electrical membrane potential of a neuron, allowing it to transmit signals. It begins when a neuron is stimulated, leading to depolarization and the opening of voltage-gated ion channels. This electrical impulse travels along the axon to communicate with other neurons or target organs, playing a crucial role in the nervous system's functioning.

Sympathetic Division of the ANS

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response. It prepares the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to essential organs. This division utilizes a series of pre- and post-ganglionic neurons to transmit signals from the spinal cord to various target organs, particularly in the abdominopelvic region.

Target Organs in the Abdominopelvic Region

Target organs in the abdominopelvic region include structures such as the intestines, kidneys, and reproductive organs. The sympathetic division influences these organs through neurotransmitters released at synapses, modulating functions like digestion and blood flow. Understanding how these organs respond to sympathetic stimulation is essential for grasping the overall impact of the ANS on bodily functions during stress.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Relate each of the following terms or phrases to either the sympathetic (S) or parasympathetic (P) division of the autonomic nervous system:

______ (7) Generally short-duration action

______ (8) Increases heart rate and blood pressure

______ (9) Increases gastric motility and secretion of lacrimal, salivary, and digestive juices

______ (10) Innervates blood vessels

______ (11) Most active when you are relaxing in a hammock

______ (12) Active when you are running in the Boston Marathon

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Textbook Question

The division of the ANS that prepares the body for activity and stress is the_____division.

(a) sympathetic

(b) parasympathetic

(d) intramural

(e) somatomotor

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Textbook Question

Collateral sympathetic ganglia are involved with innervating

a. abdominal organs

b. thoracic organs

c. head

d. arrector pili

e. all of these

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Textbook Question

Effects produced by the parasympathetic branch of the ANS include

(a) Dilation of the pupils

(b) Increased secretion by digestive glands

(d) Increased heart rate

(e) Increased breakdown of glycogen by the liver

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Textbook Question

Briefly explain why the following terms are sometimes used to refer to the autonomic nervous system: involuntary nervous system and emotional-visceral system.

Describe the anatomical relationship of the white and gray rami communicantes to the spinal nerve, and indicate the kind of fibers found in each ramus type.

What are the major components of

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Textbook Question

Which of the effects listed in response to question 9 would be reversed by parasympathetic activity?

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