Question 1

Which of the following best describes the origin and characteristics of sympathetic preganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

They originate in the thoracolumbar division, are short, and myelinated.

Question 2

A patient has a lesion affecting the white rami communicantes. Which function would most likely be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of myelinated preganglionic fibers into the sympathetic trunk.

Question 3

Which pathway allows sympathetic preganglionic neurons to innervate abdominopelvic viscera?

Accepted Answer

Pass through the sympathetic trunk to synapse at collateral (prevertebral) ganglia via splanchnic nerves.

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter is released by most sympathetic postganglionic neurons, and what type of receptor does it primarily bind to?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine; adrenergic receptors

Question 5

A researcher is studying the effect of acetylcholine on sweat glands. Which receptor type and pathway are involved?

Accepted Answer

Muscarinic receptors on target cells in the cholinergic sympathetic pathway

Question 6

Which of the following equations correctly represents the depolarization mechanism of a nicotinic receptor upon acetylcholine binding?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Na^+_{influx}} \u003e \mathrm{K^+_{efflux}} \Rightarrow 	ext{Depolarization}$$

Question 7

Which of the following best explains the effect of divergence in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

One preganglionic neuron synapses with many postganglionic neurons, allowing widespread activation.

Question 8

A patient is given a drug that inhibits acetylcholinesterase. What is the expected effect on synaptic transmission at cholinergic synapses?

Accepted Answer

Increased acetylcholine concentration and prolonged postsynaptic activation.

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the adrenal medulla pathway in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neurons synapse with chromaffin cells, which release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the blood.

Question 10

Which of the following mechanisms is responsible for the removal of norepinephrine from the synaptic cleft at a sympathetic varicosity?

Accepted Answer

Active transport into the presynaptic neuron and degradation by monoamine oxidase (MAO)

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of varicosities in sympathetic postganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

They synthesize, store, and release neurotransmitter over a large area, affecting many target cells.

Question 12

A patient with a genetic mutation affecting G protein-coupled receptors would most likely have impaired responses to which neurotransmitter(s) in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine and acetylcholine at muscarinic and adrenergic receptors

Question 13

Which equation best represents the enzymatic breakdown of acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{ACh} \xrightarrow{\mathrm{Acetylcholinesterase}} \mathrm{Choline} + \mathrm{Acetate}$$

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the autonomic reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptor → Sensory neuron → Integration center → Preganglionic neuron → Ganglionic neuron → Effector

Question 15

Which of the following statements about adrenergic receptors is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are G protein-coupled receptors whose response depends on the subtype (α or β), which can be excitatory or inhibitory.

Question 16

A patient is experiencing excessive sweating due to overstimulation of sympathetic pathways. Which neurotransmitter and receptor are most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine and muscarinic receptors

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the effects of adrenal medulla activation are more prolonged than direct sympathetic neural stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Hormones released into the blood by chromaffin cells have a longer duration of action than neurotransmitters released at synapses.

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the removal of norepinephrine at a sympathetic varicosity?

Accepted Answer

It is actively transported back into the axon and metabolized by monoamine oxidase (MAO).

Autonomic Nervous System: Sympathetic Division and Pathways

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