Craniosacral Parasympathetic — FRCA Primary MCQ

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EasyPhysiology - NeurophysiologyCraniosacral ParasympatheticFRCA Primary

Regarding the physiology of the autonomic nervous system the craniosacral outflow refers to the:

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Correct answer: E — Parasympathetic nervous system (CN III VII IX X and S2-S4)

The parasympathetic nervous system has a 'craniosacral' outflow: cranial component via CN III (Edinger-Westphal → ciliary ganglion → pupil/ciliary muscle) / CN VII (salivatory nucleus → submandibular/sublingual glands) / CN IX (inferior salivatory nucleus → parotid) / CN X (vagus → heart / lungs / GI tract to splenic flexure). Sacral component via S2-S4 → pelvic organs.

Reference: Power Kam 2018 Principles of Physiology for the Anaesthetist