Question 1

Which of the following is a major difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division has ganglia located close to the spinal cord, while the parasympathetic division has ganglia located near or within target organs.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of neurons in the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

Two neurons are involved: a preganglionic neuron and a postganglionic neuron.

Question 3

A patient is experiencing rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity. Which branch of the ANS is most likely activated?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 5

The equation for the rate of neurotransmitter release at a synapse can be represented as $$ R = k \cdot [Ca$$^{2+}$$] $$, where $$R is $$the release rate, $$k is a $$constant, and $$[Ca$$^{2+}$$] is $$the calcium ion concentration. If the calcium concentration doubles, what happens to the neurotransmitter release rate?

Accepted Answer

It doubles.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division stimulates the adrenal medulla to release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a function of autonomic reflexes in maintaining homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

Initiating voluntary muscle contraction for movement

Question 8

A person is exposed to a stressful situation, causing an increase in blood glucose levels. Which equation best represents the relationship between sympathetic stimulation ($$S) $$and blood glucose concentration ($$G$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$ G = G_0$ + kS $$

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the ANS is correct?

Accepted Answer

The ANS consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which often have opposing effects.

Question 10

If the parasympathetic division is stimulated, which of the following physiological changes is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced digestive activity

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the location of ganglia in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Close to the spinal cord in a chain called the sympathetic trunk

Question 12

A patient with damage to the autonomic ganglia may experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Impaired regulation of heart rate and blood pressure

Question 13

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between homeostasis ($$H) $$and autonomic reflex activity ($$A$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$ H = H_0$ + kA $$

Question 14

Which neurotransmitter is released by preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 15

A person is exposed to cold temperatures, causing vasoconstriction in the skin. Which branch of the ANS is primarily responsible for this response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct sequence of neuron arrangement in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron → autonomic ganglion → postganglionic neuron → effector

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of autonomic reflexes in maintaining homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

They automatically adjust physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-life example of the parasympathetic division at work?

Accepted Answer

Digesting a meal after eating

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division prepares the body for emergency situations, while the parasympathetic division promotes rest and digestion.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains the importance of autonomic reflexes in the human body?

Accepted Answer

They allow the body to respond rapidly and unconsciously to changes in the internal environment.

Chapter 14: The Autonomic Nervous System – Study Guide & Learning Objectives

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards