Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It regulates visceral functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and urination.

Question 2

Which neurotransmitter is primarily released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 3

A patient is exposed to a stressful situation, resulting in increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and inhibited digestion. Which division of the ANS is primarily responsible for these responses?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 4

Which of the following is a key anatomical difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division has long preganglionic and short postganglionic fibers.

Question 5

Which organ is directly stimulated by preganglionic sympathetic fibers to release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal medulla

Question 6

A patient with Raynaud’s disease experiences constriction of blood vessels in response to cold. Which division of the ANS is most likely overactive in this condition?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter released by postganglionic parasympathetic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 8

Which of the following effects is caused by the parasympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates digestion and elimination of feces and urine

Question 9

Which pathway is unique to the sympathetic division and involves synapsing in a collateral ganglion anterior to the vertebral column?

Accepted Answer

Pass through the sympathetic trunk to synapse in a collateral ganglion

Question 10

Which of the following is a real-life consequence of a congenital failure of parasympathetic innervation to the distal large intestine (Hirschsprung’s disease)?

Accepted Answer

Feces and gas accumulate proximal to the defect

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why conduction in the autonomic nervous system is slower than in the somatic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic pathways involve two neurons and thinly or nonmyelinated axons.

Question 12

A patient is unable to sweat and has difficulty regulating body temperature. Which division of the ANS is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct pairing of cranial nerve and its parasympathetic target organ?

Accepted Answer

CN VII – Salivary glands

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic division on the urinary bladder?

Accepted Answer

Relaxes smooth muscle of bladder wall and contracts sphincter to inhibit voiding

Question 15

Which of the following is a multi-step scenario involving both divisions of the ANS? A person is startled by a loud noise, then calms down after realizing there is no danger. What sequence of autonomic activity occurs?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic activation followed by parasympathetic activation

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic division can produce a widespread response in the body?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic fibers are highly branched and can influence many organs at once.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct description of the effect of the parasympathetic division on the eye?

Accepted Answer

Constricts the pupil

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic division on the liver?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates the liver to release glucose to the blood

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-life application of the ANS in a medical scenario? A patient with achalasia of the cardia has difficulty swallowing because:

Accepted Answer

There is a defect in the autonomic innervation of the esophagus.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the effect of the parasympathetic division on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Decreases heart rate and steadies the heart

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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