Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, while the parasympathetic division promotes 'rest and digest' activities.

Question 2

A patient is prescribed a beta blocker to manage hypertension. Which of the following best explains how this medication works?

Accepted Answer

It inhibits beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 3

Which structure in the eye is responsible for most of the refraction (bending) of light entering the eye?

Accepted Answer

Cornea

Question 4

A person with damage to the optic disc would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

A blind spot in their visual field

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the pathway of aqueous humor in the eye?

Accepted Answer

Produced by the ciliary body → posterior chamber → anterior chamber → drains via canal of Schlemm

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the neurotransmitters released by postganglionic neurons in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic postganglionic neurons usually release norepinephrine, except at sweat glands where they release acetylcholine.

Question 7

A patient presents with difficulty seeing objects up close, but can see distant objects clearly. Which condition does this describe, and what is the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Hyperopia; the eyeball is too short and the focal point falls behind the retina.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why the cornea is not typically rejected after a transplant?

Accepted Answer

It is avascular and considered immune privileged.

Question 9

Which of the following structures is responsible for detecting rotational (angular) movements of the head?

Accepted Answer

Semicircular canals

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems?

Accepted Answer

Increases heart rate and causes bronchodilation

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct order of the visual pathway from the retina to the primary visual cortex?

Accepted Answer

Photoreceptors → bipolar cells → ganglion cells → optic nerve → optic chiasm → optic tract → thalamus → primary visual cortex

Question 12

Which of the following statements about rods and cones is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cones are concentrated in the macula lutea and fovea centralis and are responsible for high acuity vision.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the eye?

Accepted Answer

Constricts the pupil

Question 14

A patient with sensorineural deafness is most likely to have damage to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Hair cells in the cochlea or the vestibulocochlear nerve

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the ciliary body in the eye?

Accepted Answer

Alters the shape of the lens for accommodation and secretes aqueous humor

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the physiological changes that occur in the lens, ciliary muscle, and suspensory ligaments when focusing on a near object?

Accepted Answer

Lens thickens, ciliary muscle contracts, suspensory ligaments relax

Question 17

Which of the following structures is NOT innervated by both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions (i.e., does NOT receive dual innervation)?

Accepted Answer

Sweat glands

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the choroid in the eye?

Accepted Answer

Delivers oxygen and nutrients to the outer retina and absorbs excess light

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the components of a visceral reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → sensory neuron → integration center → motor neuron → effector

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why motion sickness occurs?

Accepted Answer

Mismatch between visual and vestibular input

Autonomic Nervous System and Special Senses: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards