Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Nervous System including autonomic and pain

H3 · Autonomic Nervous System Anatomy and Physiology

H3.i · Autonomic Nervous System Anatomy

Official V5 objective
Outline the anatomy of the autonomic nervous system including: a. the cortical, brainstem and/or spinal cord origin(s), b. major plexus and ganglions, c. fibre types and neurotransmitters, d. end organ innervation.
4 SAQ topics 9 SAQ appearances 2 VIVA stations

Written examination

SAQ history

9 appearances
2025B Q14
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%
2017A Q01
Outline the anatomy and physiology of the parasympathetic nervous system.
32%
2014B Q04
Outline the anatomy and physiology of the parasympathetic nervous system.
0%
2024A Q05
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%
2020B Q05
Describe the anatomy (70% marks) and effects (30% marks) of the sympathetic nervous system.
51%
2015A Q20
Describe the anatomy of the sympathetic nervous system
25%
2013B Q17
Describe the anatomy of the sympathetic nervous system.
—
2017B Q07
Compare and contrast the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
75%
2023B Q20
Outline the anatomy (60% marks) and synaptic physiology (40% marks) of the vagus nerve.
25%

Oral examination

VIVA history

2 stations

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.