Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main anatomical difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

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 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity. Which branch of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for these effects?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic branch

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic sympathetic neurons at their target tissues?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 4

Which type of receptor is found on the motor end plate of skeletal muscle at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic cholinergic receptor (NM subtype)

Question 5

The adrenal medulla is considered a modified sympathetic ganglion because:

Accepted Answer

It is innervated by sympathetic preganglionic neurons and releases epinephrine into the blood.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains antagonistic control in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Most internal organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, which have opposing effects.

Question 7

A drug that blocks muscarinic cholinergic receptors would most directly affect which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic postganglionic signaling to target tissues

Question 8

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the somatic motor division?

Accepted Answer

It consists of a single neuron from the CNS to the skeletal muscle fiber.

Question 9

Which neurotransmitter and receptor combination is correctly matched for the synapse between a preganglionic autonomic neuron and a postganglionic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine and nicotinic cholinergic receptor

Question 10

A patient is given a drug that selectively stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors. Which of the following is the most likely physiological effect?

Accepted Answer

Relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle

Question 11

Which of the following statements about autonomic reflexes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Some autonomic reflexes are integrated in the spinal cord and do not require input from the brain.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter and receptor at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine acting on nicotinic cholinergic receptors (NM subtype)

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Regulation of blood vessel diameter by varying sympathetic input

Question 14

Which of the following is a property of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

They cause muscle contraction or secretion when activated.

Question 15

A person is exposed to a toxin that inhibits acetylcholinesterase at the neuromuscular junction. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged muscle contraction due to excess acetylcholine

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of the vagus nerve in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It carries about 75% of all parasympathetic fibers and provides sensory and motor output to internal organs.

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the neurotransmitter release at autonomic varicosities?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter is released over the surface of the target tissue, not just at a single synaptic site.

Question 18

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 the receptor is excitatory or inhibitory.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the autonomic pathway from the CNS to a target tissue?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron → autonomic ganglion → postganglionic neuron → target tissue

Question 20

A patient is given a drug that blocks all nicotinic cholinergic receptors. Which of the following would most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

Both autonomic and somatic motor transmission would be impaired, leading to paralysis and loss of autonomic function.

Efferent Divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System: Autonomic and Somatic Motor Divisions

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