Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic neurons in the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 2

A patient is given a drug that blocks muscarinic receptors. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and pupil dilation

Question 3

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for the 'rest-and-digest' response?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 4

During vigorous physical activity, which of the following is a direct effect of sympathetic nervous system activation?

Accepted Answer

Dilated pupils and increased glucose release from the liver

Question 5

Which receptor type is responsible for vasoconstriction in blood vessels when activated by norepinephrine?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-1 ($$\$$alpha_1$$) adrenergic receptor

Question 6

A patient stands up quickly and experiences dizziness due to a transient drop in blood pressure. Which autonomic adjustment prevents fainting under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

Baroreceptor-mediated activation of sympathetic neurons causing $$\$$alpha_1$$-mediated vasoconstriction

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the anatomical difference between sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division has short preganglionic and long postganglionic fibers

Question 8

Which neurotransmitter is released by most sympathetic postganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine (NE)

Question 9

A patient with chronic asthma uses a $$\$$beta_2$$ agonist inhaler excessively and develops tachycardia. What is the most likely mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Spillover activation of $$\$$beta_1$$ receptors in the heart

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of the alpha-2 ($$\$$alpha_2$$) adrenergic receptor?

Accepted Answer

Negative feedback inhibition of norepinephrine release

Question 11

Which of the following is true regarding the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) on muscarinic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Can be either inhibitory or excitatory depending on the target organ

Question 12

Which pathway is used by the somatic nervous system (SNS) to innervate skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

Single, thick myelinated axon from CNS to effector

Question 13

Which of the following best explains the dual innervation of visceral organs?

Accepted Answer

Both divisions of the ANS serve all organs but produce opposite effects to maintain homeostasis

Question 14

Which effect is produced by activation of $$\$$beta_2$$ adrenergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Bronchodilation and relaxation of smooth muscle in visceral organs

Question 15

Which neurotransmitter is released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons that innervate sweat glands?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 16

A patient on a $$\$$beta_1$$-blocker for hypertension receives dental anesthesia containing epinephrine. Which cardiovascular effect is less likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Increase in heart rate and contractility

Question 17

Which of the following is a unique role of the sympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Thermoregulatory responses to heat and release of renin from kidneys

Question 18

Which effect is produced by activation of $$\$$beta_3$$ adrenergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates lipolysis by fat cells

Question 19

Which of the following is true regarding the duration of effects produced by the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic effects are longer-lasting and bodywide due to slow inactivation of NE and release of adrenal hormones

Chapter 14: The Autonomic Nervous System – Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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