Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

It innervates smooth and cardiac muscle and glands to regulate involuntary body functions.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, and cold, sweaty skin after a car accident. Which division of the ANS is most active in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 4

Which receptor type is generally excitatory when bound by acetylcholine (ACh) in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 5

A drug that blocks beta ($\beta$) adrenergic receptors would most likely have which effect on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Decrease heart rate

Question 6

Which equation best represents the relationship between blood pressure ($BP$), cardiac output ($CO$), and total peripheral resistance ($TPR$) under sympathetic tone?

Accepted Answer

$BP = CO 	imes TPR$

Question 7

During exercise, sympathetic activation causes blood flow to be redirected. Which of the following best explains this physiological change?

Accepted Answer

Blood flow to visceral organs is reduced, and flow to skeletal muscles is increased.

Question 8

Which of the following is a unique role of the sympathetic division that is NOT influenced by the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Release of renin from the kidneys

Question 9

A patient is prescribed an alpha-blocker drug to treat hypertension. What is the mechanism of action of this drug?

Accepted Answer

It blocks alpha ($\alpha$) receptors, reducing vasoconstriction and lowering blood pressure.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why sympathetic activation produces longer-lasting effects than parasympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine (NE) is inactivated more slowly than acetylcholine (ACh) and uses second-messenger systems.

Question 11

Which structure is the main integration center for autonomic nervous system activity?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 12

A patient with orthostatic hypotension experiences dizziness upon standing. Which ANS dysfunction is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic vasoconstriction centers respond too slowly to positional changes.

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding muscarinic receptors in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Binding of ACh to muscarinic receptors can be either excitatory or inhibitory.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes referred pain?

Accepted Answer

Pain stimuli arising from the viscera are perceived as somatic in origin due to shared neural pathways.

Question 15

Which of the following activities is most likely to be increased by parasympathetic tone?

Accepted Answer

Digestive tract motility

Question 16

Which neurotransmitter and receptor combination is responsible for the excitatory effect on the heart during sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine binding to beta ($\beta$) receptors

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the antagonistic relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Most visceral organs are innervated by both divisions, allowing precise control of visceral activity.

Question 18

Which of the following is a likely effect of aging on the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Decreased efficiency, leading to constipation, dry eyes, and orthostatic hypotension

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic tone on blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

It keeps blood vessels in a continual state of partial constriction, maintaining blood pressure.

Question 20

A patient is given a drug that blocks parasympathetic responses. Which of the following effects would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and blocked fecal and urinary retention

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Control

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