Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

SNS controls skeletal muscle, while ANS controls cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate and dilated pupils after a car accident. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is most likely responsible for these changes?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by preganglionic fibers in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 4

In the sympathetic division, which of the following best describes the relative lengths of preganglionic and postganglionic fibers?

Accepted Answer

Short preganglionic and long postganglionic fibers

Question 5

Which cranial nerve accounts for approximately 90% of all preganglionic parasympathetic fibers in the body?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (X)

Question 6

A drug blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Which organ system would be most affected by this drug?

Accepted Answer

Visceral organ function regulated by the parasympathetic division

Question 7

Which of the following pathways is unique to the sympathetic division and involves direct stimulation of the adrenal medulla?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic fibers pass directly to the adrenal medulla without synapsing

Question 8

Which of the following best explains the concept of 'dual innervation' in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, often with opposing effects.

Question 9

A patient presents with dry mouth and reduced tear production. Which cranial nerves are most likely involved in this dysfunction?

Accepted Answer

Facial (VII) and Glossopharyngeal (IX)

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the location of ganglia in the parasympathetic division is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ganglia are located in or near the visceral effector organs.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct pathway for sympathetic fibers to reach the head?

Accepted Answer

Fibers emerge from T1-T4 and synapse in the superior cervical ganglion.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter released by postganglionic sympathetic fibers to most target organs?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine (NE)

Question 13

A patient has a lesion affecting the white rami communicantes. Which function would most likely be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of preganglionic sympathetic fibers from the spinal cord to the sympathetic trunk

Question 14

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between the number of paravertebral ganglia in the sympathetic trunk and the number of spinal regions?

Accepted Answer

$$N_{ganglia} = N_{cervical} + N_{thoracic} + N_{lumbar} + N_{sacral} + N_{coccygeal}$$

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Promotes maintenance functions such as digestion and energy conservation

Question 16

A patient is unable to constrict their pupils in response to bright light. Which division of the ANS is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the effect of the ANS on heart rate during a stressful situation?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division increases heart rate

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the overlap of somatic and autonomic function in the body?

Accepted Answer

Higher brain centers regulate and coordinate both systems

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the adrenal medulla is considered a 'misplaced' sympathetic ganglion?

Accepted Answer

It receives direct innervation from preganglionic sympathetic fibers and releases hormones into the blood

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Structure, Function, and Divisions

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