Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system innervates skeletal muscles, while the ANS innervates smooth muscle, glands, and heart muscle.

Question 2

Which branch of the ANS is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic

Question 3

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity. Which division of the ANS is most likely activated?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Promotes digestion and glandular secretion

Question 6

What is the effect of sympathetic stimulation on salivary glands?

Accepted Answer

Decreases saliva production and makes it thicker

Question 7

Which cranial nerve supplies parasympathetic innervation to most of the visceral organs?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Question 8

Which of the following statements about adrenergic receptors is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both epinephrine and norepinephrine bind to alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.

Question 9

If a drug blocks muscarinic receptors, which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Decreased salivation and reduced glandular secretion

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

$$BP = CO 	imes TPR$$

Question 11

During a stressful event, which of the following best explains the dynamic antagonism between the PNS and SNS?

Accepted Answer

The SNS predominates, increasing heart rate and inhibiting digestion, while the PNS activity is suppressed.

Question 12

Which organ receives predominantly parasympathetic stimulation to promote erection, but sympathetic stimulation for ejaculation?

Accepted Answer

Reproductive organs

Question 13

How does the ANS control body temperature?

Accepted Answer

By regulating blood flow to the skin and sweat gland activity

Question 14

Which neurotransmitter is released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the duration of action of the sympathetic division compared to the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic effects are longer due to slower breakdown of norepinephrine and circulating epinephrine.

Question 16

A patient is given a beta-blocker medication. Which physiological effect would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate and reduced force of cardiac contraction

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

It is the major control center for autonomic activity.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the ANS is essential for homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

It regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor type and neurotransmitter in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Muscarinic receptor – acetylcholine

Question 20

A patient with damage to the vagus nerve would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Impaired regulation of visceral organs such as the heart and digestive tract

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Regulation (Chapter 14 Study Guide)

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