Q: Which equation correctly represents the pathway of a visceral reflex arc in the autonomic nervous system?

$$\text{Sensory neuron} \rightarrow \text{Interneuron} \rightarrow \text{Preganglionic neuron} \rightarrow \text{Postganglionic neuron} \rightarrow \text{Effector}$$

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic sympathetic neurons, and what is its primary effect on target tissues?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine; excites or inhibits depending on receptor type

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the anatomical location of sympathetic trunk ganglia?

Accepted Answer

Lateral to the spinal cord, running parallel from cervical to sacral regions

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 5

A drug blocks muscarinic receptors. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Reduced parasympathetic effects such as decreased glandular secretion

Question 6

Which equation correctly represents the pathway of a visceral reflex arc in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Sensory neuron} ightarrow 	ext{Interneuron} ightarrow 	ext{Preganglionic neuron} ightarrow 	ext{Postganglionic neuron} ightarrow 	ext{Effector}$$

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the divergence of sympathetic fibers is correct?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic fibers have high divergence, allowing widespread effects throughout the body

Question 8

A patient has damage to the vagus nerve. Which organ system would most likely show decreased parasympathetic activity?

Accepted Answer

Digestive system

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct description of the effect of acetylcholine on nicotinic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Always excitatory, causing depolarization

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why the effects of the sympathetic division are more widespread and longer lasting than those of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division stimulates the adrenal medulla to secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream

Question 11

Which of the following is true regarding the location of parasympathetic ganglia?

Accepted Answer

They are located within or very close to the target organs

Question 12

A patient is given a medication that increases the release of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate and increased digestive activity

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

It integrates and coordinates autonomic functions by sending signals to autonomic nuclei

Question 14

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between preganglionic and postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Preganglionic neuron} \xrightarrow{ACh} 	ext{Sympathetic ganglion} \xrightarrow{NE} 	ext{Effector}$$

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of visceral reflexes in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They typically involve at least four neurons: sensory, interneuron, preganglionic, and postganglionic

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the difference in neurotransmitter release between sympathetic and parasympathetic postganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic postganglionic neurons release norepinephrine, while parasympathetic postganglionic neurons release acetylcholine

Question 17

A patient presents with excessive sweating in response to stress. Which neurotransmitter is most likely responsible for this effect at the sweat glands?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the effect of the sympathetic division on blood vessels in skeletal muscle during 'fight or flight'?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of blood vessels to increase blood flow

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of high divergence in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Simultaneous activation of multiple organs throughout the body

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

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