Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between somatic and visceral motor pathways?

Accepted Answer

Somatic pathways use a single neuron from the CNS to the effector, while visceral pathways use a two-neuron chain with a synapse in an autonomic ganglion.

Question 2

A patient is given a medication that blocks sympathetic nervous system activity. Which of the following effects would you expect during a stressful situation?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate and reduced ability to respond to stress

Question 3

Which of the following tissues is NOT innervated by the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscle

Question 4

The preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system originate in which region of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic and lumbar segments (T1-L2)

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why medications that block sympathetic activity are useful for treating 'stage fright'?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the 'fight or flight' symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and sweating.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the autonomic chain in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic cell body → Preganglionic axon → Autonomic ganglion → Postganglionic cell body → Postganglionic axon → Effector

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division causes mass activation, while parasympathetic responses are more localized.

Question 8

A person with a spinal cord injury at the level of T1 would most likely have impaired function in which autonomic division?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the antagonistic relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic increases heart rate, while parasympathetic decreases it.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct description of the origins of parasympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neurons originate in the brainstem and sacral spinal cord.

Question 11

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity. Which division of the ANS is most active?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a general autonomic reflex?

Accepted Answer

A reflex involving sensory input, integration in the CNS, and a two-neuron motor output to visceral effectors

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding the length of preganglionic and postganglionic fibers in the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic has short preganglionic and long postganglionic fibers; parasympathetic has long preganglionic and short postganglionic fibers.

Question 14

A person is exposed to a sudden threat. Which of the following physiological changes is most likely mediated by the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood flow to skeletal muscles

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why a medication that blocks sympathetic activity might cause dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension)?

Accepted Answer

It prevents the sympathetic-mediated vasoconstriction needed to maintain blood pressure when standing.

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-life example of an autonomic reflex?

Accepted Answer

Baroreceptor reflex regulating blood pressure

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter released by preganglionic neurons in both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 18

A patient has damage to the lateral horn of the spinal cord at T1-L2. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic outflow to visceral organs

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of mass activation in the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Simultaneous activation of multiple organs to prepare the body for 'fight or flight'

Question 20

Which of the following is a plausible adverse effect of medications that block sympathetic nervous system activity?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty responding to emergencies due to reduced heart rate and blood pressure

Autonomics: The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) in Anatomy & Physiology

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