Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

To monitor and regulate organ system functions and body fluid composition, enabling rapid involuntary responses

Question 2

Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic fibers in the sympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine (NE)

Question 3

During a 'fight or flight' response, which of the following physiological changes is LEAST likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of digestive system activity

Question 4

Which anatomical feature distinguishes the sympathetic division from the parasympathetic division in terms of ganglia location?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic ganglia are found close to the spinal cord, either side of the vertebral column or in front of it

Question 5

Which cranial nerves carry preganglionic parasympathetic fibers?

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerves III, VII, IX, X

Question 6

A patient presents with elevated heart rate, dilated pupils, and inhibited digestion. Which division of the ANS is most active?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding neurotransmitter release in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Postganglionic fibers release acetylcholine

Question 8

Which equation best represents the dual innervation effect on heart rate ($$HR) by $$the ANS?

Accepted Answer

$$HR = HR_{rest} + S_{stim} - P_{inhib}$$

Question 9

Which of the following statements about autonomic control centers is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Visceral reflexes concerning blood pressure originate in the brain stem

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why most internal organs are innervated by both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

To provide opposing effects that enable fine-tuned physiological regulation

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct comparison between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

Somatic system uses acetylcholine and causes excitation; autonomic uses acetylcholine and norepinephrine and can cause excitation or inhibition

Question 12

A drug that blocks acetylcholine receptors on postganglionic parasympathetic neurons would most likely cause which effect?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and dilated pupils

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the anatomical arrangement of neurons in the autonomic pathway?

Accepted Answer

Two neurons: preganglionic and postganglionic, with a synapse in a ganglion

Question 14

Which equation best represents the neurotransmitter release in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Preganglionic: Ach} ightarrow 	ext{Postganglionic: NE}$$

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT an effect of parasympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Elevation in muscle tone

Question 16

A patient with damage to the brainstem would most likely have impaired regulation of which autonomic functions?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why blood vessels are primarily innervated by the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic innervation allows for dynamic regulation of vessel diameter based on tissue needs

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the pathway of a sympathetic impulse from the spinal cord to an effector organ?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron (short) → paravertebral ganglion → postganglionic neuron (long)

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the hypothalamus in autonomic control?

Accepted Answer

It interacts with the limbic system and is tightly connected to the brainstem, integrating emotional and autonomic responses

Autonomic Division of the Nervous System (Chapter 14) – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions