Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Regulation of involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate

Question 2

A patient presents with a rapid heart rate and dilated pupils after a car accident. Which division of the ANS is most likely activated?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic fibers in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

Which of the following is a key anatomical difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division has short preganglionic fibers and long postganglionic fibers

Question 5

Which receptor type is activated by acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic cholinergic receptor

Question 6

A drug that blocks muscarinic receptors would most likely affect which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic effects on target organs such as decreased heart rate and increased digestion

Question 7

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (CO) as regulated by the ANS?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 8

Which of the following best explains the concept of 'antagonistic interactions' in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions exert opposite effects on the same organ to maintain homeostasis

Question 9

A patient is given a beta-blocker medication. Which receptor is primarily being inhibited?

Accepted Answer

Beta-adrenergic receptor

Question 10

Which structure is the main control center for autonomic nervous system functions?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Activation of the adrenal medulla to release epinephrine and norepinephrine

Question 12

Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic sympathetic fibers?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Decreases heart rate

Question 14

Which pathway is responsible for the direct stimulation of the adrenal medulla by the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic fibers synapse directly on adrenal medullary cells

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding visceral reflexes?

Accepted Answer

They regulate involuntary functions such as blood pressure and digestion

Question 16

Which type of receptor responds to norepinephrine and is found in target organs of the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic receptor

Question 17

A patient with damage to the hypothalamus would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Impaired regulation of body temperature, hunger, and autonomic functions

Question 18

Which of the following best explains the concept of 'sympathetic tone'?

Accepted Answer

Baseline level of sympathetic activity that maintains blood vessel constriction and blood pressure

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of a cooperative effect between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Both divisions stimulate salivary gland secretion, but produce different types of saliva

Chapter 14: The Autonomic Nervous System – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards