Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference in effectors between the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system innervates skeletal muscle, while the autonomic nervous system innervates cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and dry mouth after a car accident. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for these responses?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by all somatic motor neurons at their effectors, and what is its effect?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh); excitatory

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the efferent pathways of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is correct?

Accepted Answer

The ANS uses a two-neuron chain, with the preganglionic neuron in the CNS and the postganglionic neuron outside the CNS.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why the effects of the autonomic nervous system can be either excitatory or inhibitory?

Accepted Answer

The effect depends on the type of receptors present on the effector organs.

Question 6

During vigorous exercise, which of the following physiological changes is most likely to occur due to sympathetic nervous system activation?

Accepted Answer

Shunting of blood to skeletal muscles

Question 7

Which anatomical feature distinguishes the parasympathetic division from the sympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division has long preganglionic and short postganglionic fibers.

Question 8

A person is relaxing and reading after a meal. Which division of the ANS is dominant, and what are the expected physiological effects?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division; low heart rate and high gastrointestinal activity

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neurotransmitter and division of the ANS for postganglionic fibers?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine (NE); sympathetic division

Question 10

Which of the following best describes dual innervation in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Both divisions of the ANS innervate all visceral organs, but they produce opposite effects.

Question 11

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of dynamic antagonism between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division increases heart rate during stress, while the parasympathetic division decreases heart rate during rest.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Mobilizing body systems during activity

Question 13

A drug that blocks acetylcholine receptors on skeletal muscle would most directly affect which system?

Accepted Answer

Somatic nervous system

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the location of sympathetic ganglia?

Accepted Answer

Close to the spinal cord

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the pathway of a sympathetic efferent neuron?

Accepted Answer

CNS → short preganglionic neuron → ganglion near spinal cord → long postganglionic neuron → effector

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic division is called the 'fight-or-flight' system?

Accepted Answer

It prepares the body for intense physical activity by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and mobilizing energy stores.

Question 17

Which of the following is a physiological effect of parasympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Constricted pupils

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter released by preganglionic fibers in both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 19

A patient is given a drug that mimics the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system. Which of the following effects would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Constricted pupils and increased digestive activity

Ch. 14 Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Divisions

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards