➢ Describe the organization of autonomic motor neurons
What are autonomic neurons (AN)?
- A network of nerves throughout your body that can control/regulate unconscious processes such as
breathing and heart beating
- Two neuron chain
- Extends from CNS to an innervated organ
- The other division of the motor nervous systems (the other one is the somatic nervous system)
Where are parasympathetic ganglia located?
- Next to or within the organs innervated
What type of axon is involved in the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems?
- Lightly myelinated preganglionic axon which joins with a non myelinated postganglionic axon
What is the difference between myelinated and unmyelinated neurons?
What are preganglionic AN?
- Arise from the CNS
- Cell bodies are located in the brain or spinal cord
- Supplies to the autonomic ganglia
- Thin, lightly myelinated fibers, type b fibers
- Synapses with one postganglionic neuron
What are postganglionic AN?
- Originate in ganglion
- Thinner non-myelinated fibers, type c fibers
- Synapses with more than one presynaptic neuron
- Innervates effector organ
*In general, postganglionic endings of the sympathetic nervous system secrete norepinephrine and are said to be
adrenergic
, What are autonomic ganglia?
- Sympathetic and parasympathetic cell bodies
- Located in the head, neck and abdomen as well as in chains along either side of the spinal cord
What is the difference between somatic and autonomic systems?
What is the difference between parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems?
➢ Examples of practice quiz questions (neurotransmitters, ganglia, symptoms of systems)
What neurotransmitter is released from the axon terminals of preganglionic sympathetic fibers?
- Acetylcholine
What neurotransmitter is released from the postganglionic sympathetic neurons?
- Norepinephrine
What neurotransmitter is the primary neurotransmitter released from postganglionic parasympathetic neurons?
- Acetylcholine
Which molecule is the most abundant signaling molecule released from the adrenal medulla?
- Epinephrine