Self-test questions: Chapter 11

. The efferent fibres of the autonomic system pass directly from the CNS to the organs they innervate.

True

False

. Regarding the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.

Acetylcholine is secreted by sympathetic preganglionic fibres.

Most sympathetic preganglionic fibres secrete noradenaline (norepinephrine).

Sympathetic postganglionic neurons are found in spinal segments from T1 to L2.

The sympathetic chain extends from the thoracic to the sacral regions of the spinal cord.

. Regarding the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.

Parasympathetic preganglionic fibres are found in all cranial nerves

Parasympathetic vasoconstrictor fibres are present in the salivary glands.

Parasympathetic postganglionic neurons are found in spinal ganglia from T1 to L2.

Parasympathetic postganglionic fibres secrete acetylcholine onto their target organs.

. Which of the following statements regarding the role of the autonomic innervation are correct?

Stimulation of the sympathetic nerves to the eyes causes dilation of the pupils.

Activation of the sympathetic system causes vasodilatation in the skin.

Activation of the sympathetic system causes vasoconstriction in the viscera and vasodilatation in skeletal muscle.

Stimulation of the vagus nerves speed up the heart

. Regarding synaptic transmission in the autonomic nervous system

The acetylcholine receptors in both parasympathetic and sympathetic ganglia are predominantly muscarinic.

Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) secreted by sympathetic postganglionic fibres acts preferentially on β-adrenoceptors.

The adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline in response to activation of muscarinic sympathetic postganglionic fibres in the splanchnic nerves.

Acetylcholine secreted by parasympathetic postganglionic fibres acts on muscarinic receptors.

Quiz Content