Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

To regulate involuntary physiological processes such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity after a car accident. Which division of the ANS is primarily responsible for these responses?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic Nervous System

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 4

The sympathetic division of the ANS is also known as the thoracolumbar division because its preganglionic neurons originate from which regions of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic and lumbar

Question 5

Which structure serves as a relay station where preganglionic neurons synapse with postganglionic neurons in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic ganglion

Question 6

A drug that blocks beta-adrenergic receptors would most likely have which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Decrease heart rate

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of the vagus nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It provides parasympathetic innervation to thoracic and abdominal organs

Question 8

Which receptor type is activated by acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction and in all autonomic ganglia?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 9

A visceral reflex arc differs from a somatic reflex arc in that it:

Accepted Answer

Involves two motor neurons (preganglionic and postganglionic) between the CNS and the effector

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic stimulation causes the adrenal medulla to release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the transmission of a signal in a visceral reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → CNS → Preganglionic neuron → Autonomic ganglion → Postganglionic neuron → Effector

Question 12

A patient is given a medication that selectively stimulates muscarinic receptors. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Increased salivation

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the white ramus communicans is correct?

Accepted Answer

It carries preganglionic sympathetic fibers from the spinal nerve to the sympathetic chain ganglion

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between adrenergic and cholinergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic receptors bind norepinephrine and epinephrine, while cholinergic receptors bind acetylcholine

Question 15

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the lumbar level would most likely have impaired function in which division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic (thoracolumbar) division

Question 16

Which of the following is true regarding the location of terminal ganglia in the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They are located near or within the walls of target organs

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors generally causes vasoconstriction?

Accepted Answer

Alpha receptors, when activated by norepinephrine, cause smooth muscle contraction in blood vessel walls

Question 18

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks all nicotinic receptors. Which of the following would most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

Loss of all voluntary muscle movement and failure of autonomic ganglionic transmission

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of collateral ganglia in the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They serve as sites where preganglionic sympathetic fibers synapse before innervating abdominal organs

Question 20

A patient is given a drug that blocks muscarinic receptors. Which of the following symptoms would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth due to decreased salivation

Autonomic Nervous System: Key Vocabulary and Concepts

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards