Q: Which equation best represents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synapse?

$$\text{Acetylcholine} \xrightarrow{\text{AChE}} \text{Acetate} + \text{Choline}$$

Q: Which equation represents the breakdown of norepinephrine in tissues?

$$\text{Norepinephrine} \xrightarrow{\text{COMT}} \text{Inactive metabolites}$$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Routine homeostatic adjustments and control of visceral effectors such as smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

In the sympathetic division, which type of ganglia is located alongside the spinal cord and controls effectors in the body wall, thoracic cavity, head, neck, and limbs?

Accepted Answer

Chain ganglia

Question 5

Which cranial nerve contributes to approximately 75% of all parasympathetic output?

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerve X (vagus)

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Constriction of pupils and stimulation of urination

Question 7

A drug that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors would most likely affect which division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 8

Which receptor type is primarily stimulated by norepinephrine in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Alpha receptors

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the sympathetic division is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic fibers are short and originate from thoracic and lumbar segments (T1-L2)

Question 10

Which equation best represents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synapse?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Acetylcholine} \xrightarrow{	ext{AChE}} 	ext{Acetate} + 	ext{Choline}$$

Question 11

A patient is given a beta-2 agonist to treat asthma. Which effect is expected based on the function of beta-2 receptors?

Accepted Answer

Muscle relaxation in the respiratory tract

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why the effects of norepinephrine last longer than those of acetylcholine?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine is reabsorbed and broken down by monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Ganglia located near or within target organs

Question 14

During a stressful event, which pathway is most likely to be activated to mobilize energy reserves?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division via preganglionic fibers originating from T1-L2

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference in neurotransmitter release between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions at the postganglionic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic releases norepinephrine; parasympathetic releases acetylcholine

Question 16

Which equation represents the breakdown of norepinephrine in tissues?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Norepinephrine} \xrightarrow{	ext{COMT}} 	ext{Inactive metabolites}$$

Question 17

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of 'dual innervation' in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

The heart receives input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, allowing for increased or decreased heart rate depending on which division is dominant.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of excessive sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of hypertension and anxiety due to prolonged 'fight or flight' response

Question 19

Which equation best represents the activation of a nicotinic receptor at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Acetylcholine} + 	ext{Nicotinic receptor} ightarrow 	ext{Ion channel opens}$$

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Neurotransmitters

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