Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in terms of their effectors?

Accepted Answer

SNS controls skeletal muscle; ANS controls visceral effectors such as smooth muscle, glands, cardiac muscle, and adipocytes.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is most likely activated?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

Which of the following correctly matches the location of preganglionic neurons for the sympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic and lumbar segments of the spinal cord

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter is primarily released by postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division at most target organs?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 5

Dual innervation refers to:

Accepted Answer

Organs receiving input from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, often with opposing effects

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Promotes digestion and nutrient absorption

Question 7

A drug that blocks acetylcholine receptors at the ganglia of the ANS would most directly affect which neurons?

Accepted Answer

Postganglionic neurons of both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the pathway of a long autonomic reflex?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptor → afferent neuron → CNS → preganglionic neuron → ganglion → postganglionic neuron → effector

Question 9

Which structure is the integrative center for autonomic activity, controlling both sympathetic and parasympathetic output?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 10

A patient with damage to the reticular activating system (RAS) would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal levels of consciousness, such as coma or persistent sleep

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why REM sleep is important for brain function?

Accepted Answer

REM sleep is associated with memory consolidation and resembles the awake state on EEG.

Question 12

Which equation best represents the relationship between the number of synapses ($n$) and the speed of signal transmission ($v$) in a neural pathway, assuming each synapse introduces a delay $d$?

Accepted Answer

$v = v_0 - n 	imes d$

Question 13

Which of the following is most likely to occur if a person takes a drug that inhibits serotonin reuptake in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Increased serotonin levels and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the formation of a memory according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Sensory input → short-term memory → long-term memory

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the effect of neural fatigue on memory formation?

Accepted Answer

Neural fatigue can lead to permanent loss of memory due to reduced neural activity.

Question 16

A patient is unable to coordinate defecation and urination. Which division of the ANS is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 17

Which of the following is true regarding the organization of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neurons synapse on postganglionic neurons within autonomic ganglia.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of visceral sensory receptors?

Accepted Answer

Monitor internal organ conditions such as stretch, chemical changes, and pain

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of dual innervation in the human body?

Accepted Answer

The heart receives both sympathetic input to increase heart rate and parasympathetic input to decrease heart rate.

Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions (Chapter 16) – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards