Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for stimulating skeletal muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 2

During a stressful event, which division of the autonomic nervous system is activated, and what is its primary effect on heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic; increases heart rate

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the anatomical pathway of a sympathetic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron originates in the thoracic or lumbar spinal cord and synapses in a chain ganglion near the spinal column

Question 4

A patient is experiencing increased force of ventricular contraction and vasodilation of coronary vessels during exercise. Which neurotransmitter is most likely responsible for these effects?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 5

Which receptor type is found on all autonomic postganglionic neurons and binds acetylcholine?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 6

If a drug blocks muscarinic receptors, which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Reduced parasympathetic effects on cardiac and smooth muscle

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the vagus nerve?

Accepted Answer

It provides parasympathetic innervation to most internal organs

Question 8

Catecholamines are neurotransmitters formed from which amino acid?

Accepted Answer

Tyrosine

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of the hypothalamus in autonomic regulation?

Accepted Answer

It mediates homeostasis by integrating sensory input and controlling autonomic output

Question 10

A patient is given a medication that increases acetylcholine concentration in the synaptic cleft. Which effect would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced parasympathetic activity, such as decreased heart rate and increased gastrointestinal motility

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct statement about adrenergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Alpha and beta receptors bind norepinephrine or epinephrine

Question 12

Which neurotransmitter is secreted by all autonomic preganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 13

A patient with damage to the thoracic spinal cord would most likely have impaired function in which autonomic pathway?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic pathway to the blood vessels

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Rest and digest activities, such as increased gastrointestinal motility

Question 15

Which neurotransmitter and receptor combination is responsible for the initial synapse in both sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine and nicotinic receptor

Question 16

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks all nicotinic receptors. Which of the following would most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

Loss of voluntary muscle movement and impaired autonomic ganglionic transmission

Question 17

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between neurotransmitter concentration ($[NT]$), rate of release ($R$), and rate of removal ($K$) in the synaptic cleft at steady state?

Accepted Answer

$[NT] = \frac{R}{K}$

Question 18

Which of the following best explains the concept of 'divergence' in the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

One preganglionic neuron synapses with many postganglionic neurons, amplifying the response

Question 19

Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic sympathetic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 20

A patient is experiencing excessive sweating and rapid heart rate. Which neurotransmitter and receptor are most likely involved in these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine acting on adrenergic receptors

Motor Division of the Peripheral Nervous System: Autonomic System, Pathways, and Neurotransmitters

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