Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference in organization between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

The autonomic nervous system uses two motor neurons from CNS to effector, while the somatic uses only one.

Question 2

A patient presents with increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is most likely activated?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic fibers in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

Why can the same neurotransmitter produce different effects in different tissues?

Accepted Answer

Because the receptor type on the target cell determines the effect.

Question 5

Which equation best represents the relationship between blood pressure ($$BP$$), cardiac output ($$CO$$), and total peripheral resistance ($$TPR) as $$regulated by the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

$$BP = CO 	imes TPR$$

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Constricted pupils

Question 7

The adrenal medullae are unique in the sympathetic division because they:

Accepted Answer

Function as modified sympathetic ganglia and secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine into the blood

Question 8

Which of the following changes is NOT typically associated with aging of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Reduction in number of neurons

Question 9

A drug blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Which autonomic function would most likely be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic stimulation of digestive organs

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why norepinephrine can increase heart rate but decrease digestive tract activity?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine binds to different receptor types in different organs.

Question 11

Which pathway correctly describes the route of a sympathetic preganglionic neuron to its target organ?

Accepted Answer

CNS → short preganglionic fiber → ganglion near spinal cord → long postganglionic fiber

Question 12

Which of the following organs receives only sympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

Sweat glands

Question 13

Which effect is most likely to occur if the sympathetic division is activated during a stressful event?

Accepted Answer

Bronchodilation

Question 14

Which of the following statements about dual innervation is correct?

Accepted Answer

Dual innervation allows fine control of organ function by both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Question 15

Which neurotransmitter is released by sympathetic postganglionic fibers?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and decreased digestive activity

Question 17

Which of the following is a direct effect of parasympathetic activation on the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate

Question 18

Which equation best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on metabolic rate ($$MR) $$and alertness ($$A$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$MR = S 	imes A$$

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a function of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of skeletal muscle contraction

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Integration

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