Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary difference between the somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

SNS provides voluntary control of skeletal muscles, while ANS provides involuntary control of visceral effectors such as smooth muscle, glands, and cardiac muscle.

Question 2

Which neurotransmitter is released by sympathetic preganglionic neurons at their synapses with ganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 3

A patient is exposed to a toxin that binds to muscarinic receptors. Which of the following effects is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Altered function of parasympathetic target organs, such as increased salivation or slowed heart rate

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the effects of adrenal medulla activation last longer than direct sympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal medulla releases neurotransmitters directly into the bloodstream, allowing hormones to diffuse throughout the body and persist until removed.

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of urination and defecation

Question 6

A drug that blocks beta-2 ($$\$$beta_2$$) adrenergic receptors would most likely cause which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of respiratory passageways due to reduced relaxation of smooth muscle

Question 7

Which of the following statements about dual innervation is correct?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the enteric nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It regulates digestive functions independently of the central nervous system.

Question 9

During a crisis, sympathetic activation causes all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Increased secretion by digestive glands

Question 10

Which of the following is TRUE regarding memory formation and storage?

Accepted Answer

Memory consolidation requires the amygdaloid body and hippocampus.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Inability to convert short-term memories to new long-term memories

Question 12

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for stimulating the reticular activating system (RAS) to maintain an awake, alert state?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine (NE)

Question 13

Which of the following age-related changes is most likely to increase the risk of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in elderly individuals?

Accepted Answer

Fatty deposits building up in walls of blood vessels, leading to arteriosclerosis

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic tone on blood vessel diameter?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic tone keeps smooth muscle cells partially contracted; decreased NE release causes vasodilation.

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

EEG resembles the awake state and active dreaming occurs.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the mechanism by which repeated activation of a neural circuit enhances memory formation?

Accepted Answer

Repeated activation increases neurotransmitter release and facilitates synaptic connections, forming a memory engram.

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the effects of aging on the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Memory consolidation becomes more difficult and secondary memories are harder to access.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of serotonin on brain function?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin enhances sensory interpretation and emotional states; compounds that block its action can cause severe depression and anxiety.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the organization of the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division has short preganglionic fibers and long postganglionic fibers, with extensive divergence.

Question 20

Which of the following is a major effect of parasympathetic stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of pupils and focusing on near objects

Chapter 16: The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards