Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

It innervates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands to maintain optimal body support and homeostasis.

Question 2

Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic sympathetic fibers?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine (NE)

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 4

Which of the following is a key difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions regarding the location of their ganglia?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic ganglia are close to the spinal cord, while parasympathetic ganglia are near or within the target organs.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes dual innervation in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Visceral organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, often with opposing effects.

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the neurotransmitters of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic fibers release ACh, while most sympathetic postganglionic fibers release norepinephrine (NE).

Question 7

A person is relaxing after a meal, with low heart rate and high gastrointestinal activity. Which division of the ANS is dominant?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a typical effect of sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of pupils

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the pathway of a visceral reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

It includes a receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, and effector, with two consecutive neurons in the motor pathway.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of an organ innervated ONLY by the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Sweat glands

Question 11

Which of the following statements about sympathetic tone (vasomotor tone) is correct?

Accepted Answer

It refers to the continual state of partial constriction of blood vessels regulated by sympathetic fibers.

Question 12

Which cranial nerve carries the majority of parasympathetic outflow to the thoracic and abdominal organs?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (X)

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic division is also called the thoracolumbar division?

Accepted Answer

Its fibers originate in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the two-neuron chain in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron → autonomic ganglion → postganglionic neuron → effector

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the enteric nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It regulates gastrointestinal tract activity independently of the CNS.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Decreases heart rate

Question 17

A drug that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors would most likely cause which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Decreased salivation and dry mouth

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Emptying of the urinary bladder

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) in the ANS can be either excitatory or inhibitory?

Accepted Answer

The effect depends on the type of receptor (nicotinic or muscarinic) present on the effector cell.

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions