Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference in neurotransmitter release between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system releases acetylcholine at the effector, while the autonomic nervous system may release either acetylcholine or norepinephrine depending on the division.

Question 2

A patient is given a drug that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth and dilated pupils

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions is correct?

Accepted Answer

The parasympathetic division has long preganglionic and short postganglionic fibers.

Question 4

Which receptor type is responsible for the stimulatory effect of acetylcholine on skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 5

A patient with asthma is prescribed a beta-2 adrenergic agonist. What is the expected effect of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of bronchioles

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic division produces more widespread and longer-lasting effects than the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine and epinephrine released by the adrenal medulla remain in the bloodstream longer than acetylcholine.

Question 7

Which of the following organs receives only sympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

Sweat glands

Question 8

A drug that inhibits acetylcholinesterase would most likely cause which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged action of acetylcholine at synapses

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor and effect?

Accepted Answer

$$\$$beta_1$$ adrenergic receptor: increases heart rate

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Decreases heart rate

Question 11

A patient with Raynaud’s disease experiences exaggerated vasoconstriction in response to cold. Which division of the ANS is primarily responsible for this response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 12

Which of the following is a cooperative effect of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Control of external genitalia during sexual activity

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

It is the main integrative center for ANS activity.

Question 14

Which of the following would most likely occur if a person’s sympathetic nervous system was activated during an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Dilated pupils and increased blood glucose

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding visceral reflex arcs?

Accepted Answer

They have two consecutive motor neurons in the pathway.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why blood vessels are primarily under sympathetic control?

Accepted Answer

Blood vessels lack parasympathetic innervation.

Question 17

A patient is given a drug that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstriction of blood vessels

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the efferent pathways of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They consist of a two-neuron chain with a lightly myelinated preganglionic axon and a nonmyelinated postganglionic axon.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of beta-blockers on the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They block beta-adrenergic receptors, decreasing sympathetic activity.

Question 20

Which of the following is a likely effect of a drug that acts as a parasympathomimetic agent?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced salivation and urination

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Regulation

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