Question

1. In the autonomous motor system there is a 2-step connection (i.e., 2 neurons in series) from the brain to the target muscles. This is different from the somatic motor system (only 1 neuron). Please list and briefly explain which advantage(s) in control this 2-step process provides.

Answer 1

The pathways of visceral efferent 2-neurons that innervate the smooth muscles and other effectors of the autonomic nervous system are the preganglion neuron and the post ganglion neuron. The cell body of the preganglion are in the CNS(spinal cord and brain stem) while the cell bodies of the post ganglion are located in the autonomic nervous system at the periphery of the CNS. The axon of the preganglion synapse with the dendrites of the postganglion, and with its cell bodies. This is different from one neuron directs innervation of somatic.

This 2-step arrangements. provides advantage of maximizing the space in the CNS, conserving it, so that the CNS is not congested, as theses neurons are pushed to the spacious peripheral part of the CNS.

Thus, action potential are diverged outwards from the preganglion neurons outwards into the periphery. Which conserve space allowing the tiny periphery neurons to be stimulated, with the aids of the diverged circuits.Although reducing brain control.

Step-by-step explanation: