Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the effectors of the somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

SNS controls skeletal muscle, while ANS controls smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is most likely activated?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic neurons in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the organization of the somatic nervous system is correct?

Accepted Answer

It uses thickly myelinated Type A nerve fibers.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic target organs

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why the effects of sympathetic stimulation last longer than those of parasympathetic stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine is inactivated more slowly than acetylcholine, and adrenal medulla releases hormones into the blood.

Question 7

Which receptor type is found on all postganglionic neurons of the ANS and always produces an excitatory response when bound by acetylcholine?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate and force of contraction

Question 9

Which of the following is true regarding the anatomical organization of the sympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neurons originate in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes dual innervation?

Accepted Answer

Most visceral organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, allowing precise control.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neurotransmitter and its primary effect in the somatic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine – excitatory

Question 12

Which of the following is a characteristic of postganglionic sympathetic neurons?

Accepted Answer

They are unmyelinated Type C fibers.

Question 13

A patient with damage to the hypothalamus would most likely experience problems with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic regulation of visceral functions

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the parasympathetic division is called the 'craniosacral division'?

Accepted Answer

Its preganglionic neurons originate in brain nuclei of cranial nerves and sacral spinal cord segments.

Question 15

Which of the following is a likely effect of stimulating alpha-1 adrenergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of blood vessels

Question 16

Which of the following organs receives only sympathetic innervation and not dual innervation?

Accepted Answer

Sweat glands

Question 17

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks acetylcholinesterase (AChE). What is the most likely effect on parasympathetic target organs?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged stimulation due to excess acetylcholine

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the pathway of a somatic motor neuron?

Accepted Answer

A single neuron extends from the CNS to the skeletal muscle effector.

Question 19

Which of the following is true regarding the effect of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors?

Accepted Answer

It may be excitatory or inhibitory, depending on the target organ.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why sympathetic responses are more widespread than parasympathetic responses?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons have extensive divergence and the adrenal medulla releases hormones into the bloodstream.

Functional Divisions and Organization of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Somatic and Autonomic Nervous Systems

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