Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference in the number of neurons between the somatic motor system and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) pathways?

Accepted Answer

The somatic motor system uses one neuron from the CNS to the effector, while the ANS uses two neurons in series (preganglionic and postganglionic).

Question 2

Which of the following is a correct example of an effector for the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle

Question 3

A patient is experiencing rapid heart rate and dilated pupils after a stressful event. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for these effects?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 5

Where are muscarinic receptors primarily located, and what is their general effect when activated?

Accepted Answer

On cardiac and smooth muscle, glands; they can be excitatory or inhibitory depending on the tissue

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why somatic motor neuron signals are transmitted faster than autonomic motor neuron signals?

Accepted Answer

Somatic motor neurons are heavily myelinated, while autonomic neurons are lightly myelinated or unmyelinated.

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the location of nicotinic receptors in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They are found on all postganglionic neurons in both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Question 8

A drug blocks beta-adrenergic receptors. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate

Question 9

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between the number of neurons in a typical autonomic motor pathway?

Accepted Answer

$$n_{total} = n_{preganglionic} + n_{postganglionic}$$

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the craniosacral outflow in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It refers to the origin of parasympathetic preganglionic neurons in the brainstem and sacral spinal cord.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of an autonomic nervous system (ANS) reflex?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of blood pressure via baroreceptor reflex

Question 12

Which of the following statements about adrenergic receptors is correct?

Accepted Answer

Beta adrenergic receptors are significant because they mediate many effects of the sympathetic nervous system, such as increased heart rate.

Question 13

Which pathway correctly describes the flow of information in the sympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron (short) → ganglion → postganglionic neuron (long) → effector

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Dilating pupils

Question 15

Which of the following best describes autonomic tone?

Accepted Answer

The balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity that regulates organ function.

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the calculation of total output from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

$$O_{total} = O_{sympathetic} + O_{parasympathetic}$$

Question 17

A patient is given a medication that stimulates muscarinic receptors. Which of the following effects is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of activating nicotinic receptors in the autonomic ganglia?

Accepted Answer

Excitation of postganglionic neurons

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the preganglionic neuron length in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neurons are long.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Salivation in response to the smell of food

Divisions and Functions of the Peripheral Nervous System: Focus on the Autonomic Nervous System

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards