Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It oversees vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion without conscious control.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

In the sympathetic nervous system, which receptor subtype is primarily responsible for the relaxation of smooth muscle in the bronchioles, leading to bronchodilation?

Accepted Answer

Beta-2 receptor

Question 5

Which of the following statements correctly compares the structure of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic axons are short and postganglionic axons are long.

Question 6

A drug that acts as a beta-1 antagonist would most likely have which effect on the body?

Accepted Answer

Decrease heart rate and force of contraction

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding autonomic tone?

Accepted Answer

Both divisions are never completely shut down; there is a constant amount of activity from each.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains the role of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They cause hyperpolarization of axon terminals, reducing excessive sympathetic output via negative feedback.

Question 9

A patient with asthma is prescribed a beta-2 agonist. What is the expected physiological effect?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of bronchioles

Question 10

Which of the following is a direct effect of parasympathetic activation on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in heart rate and blood pressure

Question 11

During a 'fight or flight' response, which of the following metabolic changes occurs due to sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Increased breakdown of lipids in adipocytes

Question 12

Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for parasympathetic innervation to the heart?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Increase in force of skeletal muscle contraction

Question 14

A patient is given an alpha-1 blocker to treat hypertension. What is the mechanism by which this drug lowers blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

It blocks alpha-1 receptors, preventing norepinephrine from causing vasoconstriction.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the anatomical location of sympathetic preganglionic neuron cell bodies?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic and upper lumbar spinal cord

Question 16

Which type of receptor is found on all postganglionic neurons in both sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct multi-step pathway for a visceral reflex arc in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Sensory stimulus → afferent sensory neuron → CNS integration → efferent motor neuron → autonomic ganglion → target cell response

Question 18

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between heart rate ($$HR$$), stroke volume ($$SV$$), and cardiac output ($$CO) $$during sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of the antagonistic relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

After a stressful event, parasympathetic activity decreases heart rate that was elevated by sympathetic activation.

Chapter 14: The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards