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 17

Textbook Question

Which four pairs of cranial nerves are associated with the cranial segment of the parasympathetic division of the ANS?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for 'rest and digest' functions, and cranial nerves play a key role in transmitting parasympathetic signals.

Recall that the cranial segment of the parasympathetic division is associated with specific cranial nerves that carry parasympathetic fibers to target organs.

Identify the four cranial nerves involved in the parasympathetic division: the oculomotor nerve (CN III), facial nerve (CN VII), glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), and vagus nerve (CN X).

Understand the functions of these nerves: CN III controls pupil constriction and lens accommodation; CN VII stimulates salivary and lacrimal glands; CN IX influences the parotid salivary gland; and CN X provides parasympathetic innervation to thoracic and abdominal organs.

Review the anatomical pathways of these cranial nerves to understand how they connect to their respective parasympathetic ganglia and target organs.

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Key Concepts

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

Cranial Nerves

Cranial nerves are a set of twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain, primarily responsible for sensory and motor functions of the head and neck. They play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including vision, hearing, taste, and facial movements. Understanding which cranial nerves are involved in the parasympathetic division is essential for answering questions related to autonomic nervous system functions.

Parasympathetic Division

The parasympathetic division is one of the two main branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), responsible for promoting 'rest and digest' activities. It conserves energy by slowing down the heart rate, increasing intestinal and gland activity, and relaxing sphincter muscles. Identifying the cranial nerves associated with this division helps in understanding how the body maintains homeostasis during restful states.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary physiological functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and digestion. It is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which have opposing effects on the body. Knowledge of the ANS is crucial for understanding how different cranial nerves contribute to autonomic functions, particularly in the context of the parasympathetic response.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

All preganglionic autonomic fibers release______at their axon terminals, and the effects are always_____ .

(a) norepinephrine, inhibitory

(b) norepinephrine, excitatory

(d) acetylcholine, inhibitory

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Textbook Question

The neurotransmitter at all synapses and neuromuscular or neuroglandular junctions in the parasympathetic division of the ANS is

(a) Epinephrine

(b) Norepinephrine

(d) Acetylcholine

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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

What two distinctive results are produced by the stimulation of sympathetic ganglionic neurons?

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Textbook Question

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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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.

(d) All of these are correct.

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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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