Human Anatomy and Physiology : Help with Parasympathetic Preganglionic Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Peripheral Nervous System

How is the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system organized?

Possible Answers:

Short preganglionic fiber, short postganglionic fiber

Long preganglionic fiber, long postganglionic fiber

Long preganglionic fiber, short postganglionic fiber

Short preganglionic fiber, long postganglionic fiber

Correct answer:

Long preganglionic fiber, short postganglionic fiber

Explanation:

Cell bodies of preganglionic neurons are located in the central nervous system (CNS); they synapse onto autonomic ganglia. Parasympathetic ganglia are located in or near the effector organs giving them long preganglionic fibers and short postganglionic fiber. Sympathetic ganglia are located in the paravertebral chain, thus they have short preganglionic fibers and long postganglionic fibers.

Example Question #2 : Peripheral Nervous System

What neurotransmitter is used by the preganglionic and postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system, respectively?

Possible Answers:

preganglionic uses norepinephrine; postganglionic uses norepinephrine.

preganglionic uses norepinephrine; postganglionic uses acetylcholine

preganglionic uses acetylcholine; postganglionic uses acetylcholine

The parasympathetic system only has a preganglionic neuron, which uses acetylcholine as its neurotransmitter.

preganglionic uses serotonin; postganglionic uses acetylcholine.

Correct answer:

preganglionic uses acetylcholine; postganglionic uses acetylcholine

Explanation:

The parasympathetic nervous system acts oppositely to the sympathetic nervous system, by signaling the activation of relaxation and digestion (increased blood flow to digestive system, pupil constriction, lower heart rate and blood pressure). The parasympathetic nervous system signal is transmitted to the body through a preganglionic neuron and a postganglionic neuron. Both of these use acetylcholine in the parasympathetic nervous system.

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