Question 1

Which of the following best describes the anatomical origin of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Thoracolumbar outflow from spinal segments T1-L2

Question 2

A patient presents with a rapid heart rate and dilated pupils after a car accident. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is most likely activated?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

In the autonomic nervous system, which of the following correctly describes the length of fibers in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Long preganglionic and short postganglionic fibers

Question 5

Which equation best represents the conduction velocity $$v of a $$myelinated axon, given that $$v is $$proportional to the diameter $$d of $$the axon?

Accepted Answer

$$v = k 	imes d$$

Question 6

Which of the following ganglia is responsible for innervating the parotid salivary gland?

Accepted Answer

Otic ganglion

Question 7

A drug that blocks acetylcholine receptors at the terminal ganglia would most directly affect which division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the somatic motor system is correct?

Accepted Answer

It voluntarily responds to external stimuli

Question 9

Which structure is paired and runs alongside either side of the vertebral column, containing the superior cervical ganglion?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic trunk ganglia (paravertebral ganglia)

Question 10

During a stressful event, which division of the autonomic nervous system overrides the effects of the other on the heart and digestive organs?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division overrides parasympathetic effects

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic division can influence many organs simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic axons are highly branched

Question 12

Which nerve plexus supplies the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and colon?

Accepted Answer

Celiac, superior and inferior mesenteric plexuses

Question 13

A patient with damage to the pelvic splanchnic nerves would most likely experience dysfunction in which organ?

Accepted Answer

Urinary bladder

Question 14

Which of the following is a functional goal of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Conserves and stores energy

Question 15

Which equation best represents the relationship between sympathetic tone and blood vessel diameter $$D if $$increased sympathetic activity causes vasoconstriction?

Accepted Answer

$$D \downarrow as $$sympathetic tone $$\uparrow$$

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a target organ of the cranial outflow of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Urinary bladder

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the location of terminal ganglia in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

In or close to the visceral organ they serve

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding neurotransmitter release in the sympathetic pathway?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine; postganglionic neurons release norepinephrine

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of parasympathetic tone on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Decreases heart rate

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Divisions

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