Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference in neurotransmitter usage between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic uses acetylcholine and norepinephrine, while parasympathetic uses only acetylcholine.

Question 2

Why is the sympathetic division referred to as the thoracolumbar system?

Accepted Answer

Because its preganglionic neurons originate in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord.

Question 3

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 4

Which ganglion is responsible for sympathetic innervation of the stomach, liver, and spleen?

Accepted Answer

Celiac ganglion

Question 5

What is the primary neurotransmitter released by sympathetic preganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 6

Which of the following best explains dual innervation?

Accepted Answer

Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions innervate the same organ, often with opposing effects.

Question 7

Which pathway allows a preganglionic sympathetic neuron to directly stimulate the release of hormones into the bloodstream?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal medulla pathway

Question 8

Which cranial nerve is also known as the Vagus nerve and innervates multiple organs in the thoracic and abdominal cavities?

Accepted Answer

Cranial Nerve X

Question 9

Which of the following statements about autonomic tone is correct?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic tone allows for both increases and decreases in activity, providing greater control options.

Question 10

Which neurotransmitter is released by most sympathetic postganglionic fibers at their varicosities?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 11

What is the structural difference between somatic and visceral reflexes?

Accepted Answer

Somatic reflexes involve only one motor neuron, while visceral reflexes involve two motor neurons.

Question 12

Which ganglion is responsible for sympathetic innervation of the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Superior mesenteric ganglion

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the enteric nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It is a network of neurons in the digestive tract that can function independently of the CNS.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Stimulate urination and increase digestive gland activity

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the effect of acetylcholine released by parasympathetic postganglionic fibers on the heart?

Accepted Answer

It reduces heart rate.

Question 16

Which of the following is true regarding the structure of autonomic varicosities?

Accepted Answer

They release neurotransmitters over the surface of target cells, rather than at a single synaptic site.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes referred pain?

Accepted Answer

Pain perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus, often due to shared neural pathways.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron → sympathetic chain ganglion → postganglionic neuron → target organ

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the hypothalamus in autonomic nervous system control?

Accepted Answer

It integrates and regulates autonomic activity, influencing both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Question 20

Which equation best represents the pathway of neurotransmitter release in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Preganglionic fiber} ightarrow 	ext{neurotransmitter} ightarrow 	ext{postganglionic fiber} ightarrow 	ext{target effector}$$

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