Question 1

A photographer encounters a bear while working in the field. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for the physiological changes that occur during this 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system

Question 2

Which of the following physiological changes is most likely to occur during activation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to a threat?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of airways

Question 3

A person faints and collapses on the floor. Which branch of the autonomic nervous system is most likely responsible for the sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic nervous system

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter is released by postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system at most target organs?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons are shorter than parasympathetic preganglionic neurons

Question 6

Which receptor type is primarily responsible for smooth muscle contraction and vasoconstriction in response to sympathetic stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor

Question 7

A patient is prescribed metoprolol, a beta-1 blocker. What is the expected effect on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate and contractility

Question 8

Which equation best represents the relationship between cardiac output, heart rate, and stroke volume?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Increased secretion of digestive enzymes

Question 10

During a reflex arc, which neuron type transmits the motor command from the central nervous system to the effector organ?

Accepted Answer

Motor neuron

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Thoracic and lumbar spinal cord

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 13

A patient experiences increased sweating, rapid heart rate, and dilated pupils after a car accident. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is most active?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of defecation

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter and receptor involved in the synapse between preganglionic and postganglionic neurons in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine and nicotinic receptor

Question 16

Which of the following is a unique feature of the adrenal medulla in the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a modified postganglionic neuron releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why beta-blockers are used to treat hypertension?

Accepted Answer

They block beta-1 adrenergic receptors, reducing cardiac output

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct pathway for sympathetic innervation to the abdominal organs?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron from thoracic spinal cord → collateral ganglion → abdominal organ

Question 19

Which of the following equations correctly represents the effect of sympathetic stimulation on blood pressure ($$BP$$), assuming cardiac output ($$CO) $$and total peripheral resistance ($$TPR) $$both increase?

Accepted Answer

$$BP = CO 	imes TPR$$

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-life example of dual innervation by the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic stimulation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic stimulation decreases heart rate

Chapter 16: The Autonomic Nervous System – Structure and Function

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