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 innervates skeletal muscle, while ANS innervates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and dry mouth during a stressful event. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by all somatic motor neurons, and what is its effect on skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine; stimulatory

Question 4

In the autonomic nervous system, which neurotransmitter is released by preganglionic fibers, and what is the possible effect of postganglionic neurotransmitter release?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine by preganglionic fibers; postganglionic release of NE or ACh can be stimulatory or inhibitory depending on receptor

Question 5

Which anatomical feature distinguishes the parasympathetic division from the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division has long preganglionic and short postganglionic fibers.

Question 6

During vigorous exercise, which physiological changes are mediated by the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of bronchioles and shunting blood to skeletal muscles and heart

Question 7

Which of the following is a unique role of the sympathetic division that is NOT shared with the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Release of renin from the kidneys

Question 8

A drug that blocks parasympathetic responses would most likely cause which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and urinary retention

Question 9

Which equation best represents the relationship between blood pressure ($$BP$$), cardiac output ($$CO$$), and total peripheral resistance ($$TPR) as $$regulated by the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

$$BP = CO 	imes TPR$$

Question 10

Which brain region is considered the main integrative center for autonomic nervous system function?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why the effects of the sympathetic division are longer-lasting and more diffuse than those of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division releases norepinephrine and epinephrine, which are inactivated more slowly and have bodywide effects.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of cooperative effects between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic fibers cause vasodilation for erection; sympathetic fibers cause ejaculation.

Question 13

A patient with an overactive sympathetic vasoconstrictor response to stress is most likely to develop which condition?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension due to increased blood pressure

Question 14

Which of the following statements about dual innervation is correct?

Accepted Answer

Most visceral organs are innervated by both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which usually produce opposite effects.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the anatomical origin of the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Thoracolumbar: thoracic and lumbar spinal cord

Question 16

Which physiological response is most likely to occur when the body temperature rises, as regulated by the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of skin blood vessels and activation of sweat glands

Question 17

Which of the following is true regarding parasympathetic tone?

Accepted Answer

It slows the heart and dictates normal activity of digestive and urinary tracts.

Question 18

Which pathway correctly describes the efferent route of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron from CNS to ganglion, then postganglionic neuron to effector

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why blood vessels are only innervated by sympathetic fibers?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic tone maintains blood pressure and allows rapid redistribution of blood during emergencies.

9B Homeostasis and the Autonomic Nervous System: Anatomy & Physiology I Study Notes

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