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Autonomic nervous system

Organization of visceral pathways, ganglionic transmission, central control, visceral afferents, and peripheral organ responses.

  • 30 explained questions
  • 30 flashcards
  • 120 estimated course minutes

Updated

What you will learn

  • Describe the two-neuron organization of autonomic motor pathways and distinguish sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric territories.
  • Relate central locations, ganglia, neurotransmitters, and receptors to their effects on target organs.
  • Explain the roles of the hypothalamus, nucleus of the solitary tract, and visceral afferents in autonomic reflexes.
  • Recognize peripheral effects of both divisions and the clinical pattern of Claude Bernard–Horner syndrome.

Course outline

  1. Orientation: continuous visceral regulation

    The autonomic nervous system adjusts visceral activity without conscious control and maintains homeostasis.

    8 min

  2. The two-neuron architecture of effector pathways

    A preganglionic fiber links the central nervous system to an autonomic ganglion, and a postganglionic fiber then reaches the organ.

    10 min

  3. The sympathetic pathway: thoracolumbar outflow

    The sympathetic division mobilizes body resources from the thoracolumbar lateral horn and its associated ganglia.

    13 min

  4. The parasympathetic pathway: craniosacral origin

    Parasympathetic fibers arise in the brainstem or sacral spinal cord and relay close to the target organ.

    12 min

  5. The enteric nervous system: local intestinal reflexes

    The enteric network is embedded in the gut wall and locally organizes motility, luminal chemistry, and secretion.

    9 min

  6. Synaptic transmission in the autonomic ganglion

    Preganglionic acetylcholine produces fast, slow, or inhibitory responses according to postsynaptic receptors and cotransmitters.

    15 min

  7. Postganglionic neurotransmitters and pharmacology

    Noradrenaline dominates the sympathetic pathway, acetylcholine the parasympathetic pathway, with defined exceptions and selective agonists.

    12 min

  8. Central control and visceral afferents

    The hypothalamus organizes autonomic output, while visceral afferents inform the nucleus of the solitary tract and higher centers.

    15 min

  9. Peripheral activation: from vessels to digestion

    The two autonomic divisions modulate cardiovascular, urinary, respiratory, and digestive functions, often with opposing effects.

    12 min

  10. Claude Bernard–Horner syndrome and synthesis

    Interruption of the sympathetic pathway explains Claude Bernard–Horner syndrome; the ANS as a whole depends on coordinated relays and feedback.

    14 min

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