Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division increases heart rate and dilates pupils, while the parasympathetic division decreases heart rate and constricts pupils.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing excessive thirst and urination due to a deficiency in antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Which of the following best explains the pathophysiology of this condition?

Accepted Answer

ADH deficiency leads to decreased water reabsorption in the kidneys, resulting in polyuria and dehydration.

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is primarily released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 4

A patient is given a drug that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Decreased salivation and increased heart rate

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'dual innervation' in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons, which can have opposing effects.

Question 6

A 35-year-old male is diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus. Which hormone is deficient, and what is the primary effect on the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH); decreased water reabsorption

Question 7

During a stressful situation, cortisol is released and increases blood glucose levels. Which of the following best explains how cortisol achieves this effect?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol promotes gluconeogenesis in the liver and reduces glucose uptake in peripheral tissues.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the negative feedback loop regulating thyroid hormone (TH) levels?

Accepted Answer

Increased TH inhibits TSH and TRH release

Question 9

A woman in labor is experiencing strong uterine contractions. Which hormone is primarily responsible for increasing the frequency and intensity of these contractions, and what type of feedback loop is involved?

Accepted Answer

Oxytocin; positive feedback loop

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the hypothalamus in the regulation of the endocrine system?

Accepted Answer

It controls the pituitary gland through both neural and hormonal signals.

Question 11

A patient with untreated central diabetes insipidus is at greatest risk for which of the following complications?

Accepted Answer

Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why both the liver and skeletal muscle are involved in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

The liver can release glucose into the blood via glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis; skeletal muscle takes up glucose from the blood in response to insulin.

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct order of events in the oxytocin feedback loop during childbirth?

Accepted Answer

Uterine contractions stimulate oxytocin release, which increases contractions, leading to more oxytocin release (positive feedback).

Question 14

A patient has a tumor that increases secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Which of the following would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Increased thyroid hormone (TH) levels and increased metabolic rate

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

It decreases peristalsis and digestive secretions.

Question 16

Which of the following equations correctly represents the negative feedback regulation of cortisol secretion?

Accepted Answer

$CRH \rightarrow ACTH \rightarrow Cortisol \rightarrow -CRH, -ACTH$

Question 17

A patient is experiencing bradycardia (slow heart rate) and constricted pupils. Which branch of the autonomic nervous system is most likely dominant in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic nervous system

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the body increases aldosterone secretion in response to dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone increases sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys, helping to restore blood volume.

Question 19

Which of the following is a direct effect of increased antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion?

Accepted Answer

Decreased urine output and increased water reabsorption in the kidneys

Endocrine System and Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Homeostasis

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