Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is primarily released by postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Question 3

Which of the following is a correct pairing of effector organ response and autonomic branch?

Accepted Answer

Pupil dilates — Sympathetic

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 5

The adrenal medulla releases which hormone directly into the bloodstream during sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the anatomical origin of parasympathetic preganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Brainstem and sacral spinal cord

Question 7

A drug blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Which physiological effect would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth due to reduced salivary secretion

Question 8

Which equation best represents the dynamic balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity in homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

$S_{activity} + P_{activity} = Homeostasis$

Question 9

Which effector organ response is correctly matched with its parasympathetic effect?

Accepted Answer

Digestive tract motility increases

Question 10

A patient is unable to release urine due to increased urinary bladder retention. Which autonomic branch is likely overactive?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic

Question 11

Which receptor type is primarily responsible for mediating the effects of norepinephrine in the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the neuroeffector junction?

Accepted Answer

It is the synapse between an efferent neuron and its target effector

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are considered antagonistic?

Accepted Answer

One branch excites while the other inhibits the same organ

Question 14

A patient is given a beta-blocker medication. Which physiological effect is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the vagal nerve is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a major parasympathetic nerve

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the autonomic pathway in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron —> Acetylcholine —> Nicotinic receptor —> Postganglionic neuron —> Norepinephrine —> Adrenergic receptor

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic activation on the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Decreases motility and secretion

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding the efferent nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It includes both autonomic and somatic divisions

Question 19

A patient presents with constricted pupils, slowed heart rate, and increased digestive activity. Which neurotransmitter is most likely acting at the effector organs?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the integrating centers for autonomic responses?

Accepted Answer

They are found in the brainstem, hypothalamus, and some spinal cord regions

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Neurotransmitters

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