Syllabus · Historical · V4 (2023) · Autonomic Nervous System
M1 · Physiology of the Autonomic Nervous System
M1.i · Physiology of the Autonomic Nervous System
Describe the autonomic nervous system including anatomy, receptors and their subtypes and transmitters (including their synthesis, release, and fate).
Written examination
SAQ history
Autonomic Physiology — Noradrenaline Synapse
1 exam appearance
Outline the production, release, and fate of noradHine at the sympathetic nerve terminal.
40%
Autonomic Physiology — Parasympathetic System
3 exam appearances
Outline the physiology of the parasympathetic nervous system using the following headings: (a) the anatomical origins and target organ(s) (45% of marks). Responses of the organ(s) are NOT required. (b) nerve fiber classification and characteristics (20% of marks) (c) receptor types, locations and neurotransmitters (35% of marks
61%
Autonomic Physiology — Sympathetic Anatomy
4 exam appearances
Outline the anatomy of the sympathetic nervous system including: (i) The origin (15% of marks). (ii) Fibre types and their course (70% of marks). (iii) Receptors and neurotransmitters (15% of marks).
54%
Describe the anatomy (70% marks) and effects (30% marks) of the sympathetic nervous system.
51%
Autonomic Physiology — Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic
1 exam appearance
Autonomic Physiology — Vagus Nerve
1 exam appearance
Outline the anatomy (60% marks) and synaptic physiology (40% marks) of the vagus nerve.
25%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2026A · VIVA 5
Relevant examiner prompt
How does vagal stimulation affect the action potential?
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2023A · Day 1 · VIVA 4
This VIVA will examine the autonomic nervous system. Describe the anatomy of the sympathetic nervous system?
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2023A · Day 2 · VIVA 4
This VIVA will examine adrenergic and steroid pharmacology. Describe the beta-adrenergic receptors and how signal transduction occurs?
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2022B · Day 1 · VIVA 6
This viva will explore your knowledge of the Autonomic Nervous System. Describe the Physiologic consequences of an unexpected cut to your hand with a sharp knife?
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2022A · Day 3 · VIVA 2
This viva will explore your understanding of parasympathetic nervous system physiology and cranial nerve reflexes. What are the physiological consequences of interrupting vagal nerve transmission at the level of C2?
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2019B · Day 1 · VIVA 1
This viva will test your knowledge of the autonomic nervous system. Briefly describe the autonomic nervous system using the diagram. (Image removed from report.)
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2018A · Day 2 · VIVA 8
This viva will examine adreno-receptors, second messengers and calcium. Classify adreno-receptors and their secondary messenger systems.
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2016B · Day 1 · VIVA 2
This viva tested knowledge related to cholinergic receptors. The pharmacology of Atropine was specifically discussed. The second part of the viva discussed the pharmacology of propofol including rationale for its use in ICU, contents of the ampoule and adverse effects.
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2011B · VIVA 1
This Viva will examine your knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the coronary circulation. Q 1. Describe the anatomy of the coronary circulation. Subsequent questions explored knowledge of factors that affect coronary artery blood flow (including diagrams), and physiology of beta-receptors.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.