Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the somatic motor division and the autonomic division of the efferent nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The somatic motor division controls skeletal muscle and is mostly voluntary, while the autonomic division controls smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, glands, and some adipose tissue and is mostly involuntary.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity. Which branch of the autonomic nervous system is most active, and what is this response commonly called?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic branch; fight-or-flight response

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic sympathetic neurons, and what type of receptor does it primarily bind to on the target tissue?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine; adrenergic receptor

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of antagonistic control in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic branch increases heart rate, while the parasympathetic branch decreases heart rate.

Question 5

A drug that blocks acetylcholinesterase (AChE) would have which of the following effects at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

Increase the duration of acetylcholine action, leading to prolonged muscle contraction.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about the adrenal medulla is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a modified sympathetic ganglion that releases epinephrine into the blood as a neurohormone.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter and receptor type at the synapse between a preganglionic autonomic neuron and a postganglionic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine; nicotinic cholinergic receptor

Question 8

A patient is given a beta-blocker medication. Which of the following physiological effects would you expect to observe?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate due to inhibition of $\beta_1$-adrenergic receptors

Question 9

Which of the following is true regarding the anatomical organization of sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic ganglia are located on or near the target organs, while sympathetic ganglia are located close to the spinal cord.

Question 10

A person is exposed to a drug that acts as a muscarinic antagonist. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Decreased activity of parasympathetic target organs, such as reduced salivation and decreased digestive activity

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why the response of a target tissue to autonomic stimulation depends on the type of receptor present?

Accepted Answer

The same neurotransmitter can cause different effects depending on whether it binds to an alpha, beta, or muscarinic receptor.

Question 12

Which of the following is a property of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in the somatic motor division?

Accepted Answer

It contains nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that are always excitatory.

Question 13

A patient is administered a drug that inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) in sympathetic varicosities. What is the expected effect on norepinephrine (NE) signaling?

Accepted Answer

Increased NE levels in the synaptic cleft due to decreased breakdown.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of varicosities in autonomic neurons?

Accepted Answer

They are specialized regions of the neuron that store and release neurotransmitter over a broad area of the target tissue.

Question 15

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates cooperative control in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches work on different tissues to achieve a common goal, such as producing an erection (parasympathetic) and ejaculation (sympathetic) in the male reproductive system.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the origin of preganglionic neurons in the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons originate in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord, while parasympathetic preganglionic neurons originate in the brainstem and sacral spinal cord.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the effect of stimulating $\beta_2$-adrenergic receptors in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of bronchial smooth muscle

Question 18

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. What is the most likely physiological outcome?

Accepted Answer

Paralysis of skeletal muscle due to inability to generate action potentials in muscle fibers

Efferent Division: Autonomic and Somatic Motor Control – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards