Textbook Question
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.
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Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation24
- Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive25
- Ch. 3 Cells: The Living Units21
- Ch. 4 Tissue: The Living Fabric20
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System11
- Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues19
- Ch. 7 The Skeleton14
- Ch. 8 Joints7
- Ch. 9 Muscles and Muscle Tissue26
- Ch. 10 The Muscular System26
- Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue19
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System26
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity32
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System19
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses26
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System23
- Ch. 17 Blood25
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart24
- Ch. 19 The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels27
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues14
- Ch. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses27
- Ch. 22 The Respiratory System21
- Ch. 23 The Digestive System31
- Ch. 24 Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance26
- Ch. 25 The Urinary System26
- Ch. 26 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance24
- Ch. 27 The Reproductive System24
- Ch. 28 Pregnancy and Human Development25
- Ch. 29 Heredity11
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 14, Problem 5
Which ANS fibers release acetylcholine? Which release norepinephrine?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, each with distinct neurotransmitters.
Identify that parasympathetic fibers release acetylcholine (ACh) at both their preganglionic and postganglionic synapses, meaning both sets of fibers in this division are cholinergic.
Recognize that sympathetic fibers release acetylcholine at their preganglionic synapses, but most postganglionic sympathetic fibers release norepinephrine (NE), making them adrenergic.
Note the exception that some sympathetic postganglionic fibers, such as those innervating sweat glands, also release acetylcholine instead of norepinephrine.
Summarize: Parasympathetic pre- and postganglionic fibers release acetylcholine; sympathetic preganglionic fibers release acetylcholine; sympathetic postganglionic fibers mostly release norepinephrine, with some exceptions releasing acetylcholine.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Divisions
The ANS is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, each controlling involuntary body functions. Understanding these divisions is essential because they differ in the types of neurotransmitters their fibers release and their physiological effects.
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Divisions of the ANS
Cholinergic Fibers and Acetylcholine
Cholinergic fibers are nerve fibers that release acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter. In the ANS, all preganglionic fibers (both sympathetic and parasympathetic) and parasympathetic postganglionic fibers release acetylcholine to transmit signals to target organs.
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Adrenergic Fibers and Norepinephrine
Adrenergic fibers release norepinephrine as their neurotransmitter. In the ANS, most sympathetic postganglionic fibers are adrenergic, meaning they release norepinephrine to activate target tissues, contributing to the 'fight or flight' response.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
The white rami communicantes contain what kind of fibers?
a. Preganglionic parasympathetic
b. Postganglionic parasympathetic
c. Preganglionic sympathetic
d. Postganglionic sympathetic
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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
Where are the cell bodies of visceral sensory neurons?
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Textbook Question
Collateral sympathetic ganglia are involved with innervating
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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.
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