Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 2

A patient is given a medication that acts as a beta-adrenergic antagonist (beta-blocker). What is the expected effect on the heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in heart rate due to inhibition of beta receptors

Question 3

Which of the following statements best describes the pathway from the spinal cord to the adrenal medulla in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

It directly connects to chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla without a ganglion.

Question 4

Which receptor type is always stimulatory when acetylcholine binds to it?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 5

A person is exposed to a muscarinic agonist. Which of the following symptoms would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Salivation, lacrimation, and increased gastrointestinal motility

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor type and its typical effect when bound by norepinephrine in the sympathetic pathway?

Accepted Answer

Beta-2 receptor: inhibitory

Question 7

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'SLUDGE' side effects (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urinary incontinence, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal cramps, Emesis)?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 8

A drug that blocks acetylcholinesterase would most likely have which effect on the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Prolong the effects of acetylcholine, increasing parasympathetic activity

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic division can produce a diffuse and highly interconnected response throughout the body?

Accepted Answer

Postganglionic neurons receive inputs from many different preganglionic neurons

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of the enteric nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Control of voluntary skeletal muscle movement

Question 11

A patient is given a sympathomimetic drug. Which of the following physiological changes would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Pupil dilation and increased blood glucose

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter release pattern in the parasympathetic pathway?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine released at both preganglionic and postganglionic synapses

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about muscarinic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Their activation can be either stimulatory or inhibitory depending on the target organ

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the effect of acetylcholine binding to cardiac muscle muscarinic receptors?

Accepted Answer

It slows heart activity

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

It integrates and coordinates autonomic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

It is a local nervous system embedded in the digestive tract, controlling motility and secretion

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct formula for the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, a process stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{(C_6H_{10}O_5$)_n + nH_2O \rightarrow nC_6H_{12}O_6$}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic pathway?

Accepted Answer

Inhibit release of norepinephrine and promote blood clotting

Question 19

A patient is experiencing urinary incontinence, diarrhea, and excessive salivation after exposure to a toxin. Which type of receptor is most likely being overstimulated?

Accepted Answer

Muscarinic cholinergic receptor

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Integration

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