Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system directly innervates skeletal muscle for voluntary movement, while the autonomic nervous system indirectly innervates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands for involuntary actions.

Question 2

Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 3

A patient is given a drug that blocks muscarinic receptors. Which physiological effect would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Reduced effects of acetylcholine on target organs innervated by postganglionic parasympathetic fibers

Question 4

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for the 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Question 5

Which of the following statements about dual innervation is correct?

Accepted Answer

Most organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, allowing for precise regulation of function.

Question 6

Which receptor type is found on all postganglionic neurons within sympathetic ganglia and the adrenal medulla?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 7

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated bronchioles, and decreased digestive activity. Which neurotransmitter and receptor type are most likely involved in these effects?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine acting on adrenergic receptors

Question 8

Which pathway describes a sympathetic preganglionic neuron that synapses in a collateral ganglion?

Accepted Answer

The neuron passes through the sympathetic chain ganglia and synapses in a collateral ganglion near the target organ.

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct description of the enteric nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It is responsible for reflexes and motility of the digestive system.

Question 10

Which of the following is true regarding the neurotransmitters released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons?

Accepted Answer

They can release norepinephrine, epinephrine, or acetylcholine depending on the target tissue.

Question 11

A drug acts as an antagonist to beta-1 adrenergic receptors. What effect would this drug most likely have?

Accepted Answer

Decrease heart rate and reduce force of contraction

Question 12

Which cranial nerve is NOT involved in the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerve V (trigeminal)

Question 13

Which of the following best explains the effect of norepinephrine binding to alpha-2 adrenergic receptors on preganglionic sympathetic neurons?

Accepted Answer

It hyperpolarizes the neuron, decreasing ACh release and postganglionic neuron activity.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor type and location?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor: smooth muscle cells and arrector pili muscles

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the adrenal medulla in the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a modified postganglionic neuron, releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream when stimulated by acetylcholine.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the length of preganglionic and postganglionic axons in the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic axons are short and postganglionic axons are long; parasympathetic preganglionic axons are long and postganglionic axons are short.

Question 17

Which equation correctly represents the process of neurotransmitter release at a synapse?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Neurotransmitter}_{released} = 	ext{Vesicle}_{count} 	imes 	ext{Amount}_{per\ vesicle}$$

Question 18

A patient is given a drug that acts as an agonist for beta-2 adrenergic receptors. Which effect would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of bronchioles and relaxation of smooth muscle in blood vessels of skeletal muscles

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter and receptor involved in the parasympathetic division's effect on target organs?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine acting on muscarinic receptors

Lec 10: Autonomic Nervous System

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards