Question 1

Which of the following best describes the anatomical arrangement of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Ganglia lie in or on target organs; long preganglionic neurons, short postganglionic neurons

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and decreased intestinal motility

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

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between blood pressure ($$BP$$), cardiac output ($$CO$$), and total peripheral resistance ($$TPR) in $$the context of sympathetic tone?

Accepted Answer

$$BP = CO 	imes TPR$$

Question 5

A patient with Raynaud's disease experiences painful, exaggerated vasoconstriction in the fingers and toes. Which division of the ANS is primarily responsible for this symptom?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE regarding nicotinic receptors?

Accepted Answer

They are found on all postganglionic neurons and their activation is always stimulatory

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why most blood vessels are only innervated by the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic tone allows continual partial constriction and rapid adjustment of blood pressure

Question 8

A patient with a spinal cord injury above T6 develops autonomic dysreflexia. What is the most dangerous consequence of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled activation of autonomic neurons causing a rapid increase in blood pressure

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct statement about the origin of preganglionic neurons in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

They originate in the lateral horn of the thoracolumbar spinal cord

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the effect of acetylcholine binding to muscarinic receptors on cardiac muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

It slows heart rate

Question 11

Which pathway allows sympathetic preganglionic fibers to synapse in collateral ganglia rather than in the sympathetic trunk?

Accepted Answer

They pass through the sympathetic trunk without synapsing and synapse in collateral ganglia

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

It carries about 90% of all preganglionic parasympathetic fibers

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding adrenergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Alpha and beta receptors both respond to norepinephrine and epinephrine

Question 14

During exercise, which division of the ANS overrides the other to increase heart rate and inhibit digestion?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division overrides parasympathetic division

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the effect of aging on the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

ANS efficiency declines, leading to symptoms such as constipation and orthostatic hypotension

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Stimulus → Visceral sensory neuron → Integration center → Autonomic motor neuron → Visceral effector

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-life example of sympathetic tone (vasomotor tone) in action?

Accepted Answer

Continual partial constriction of blood vessels to maintain blood pressure

Question 18

Which of the following cranial nerves is NOT involved in the craniosacral division of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (XII)

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the role of nerve growth factor in the development of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

It aids axons in finding their path to target organs during development

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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