Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference in neurotransmitter release between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system releases acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, while the autonomic nervous system releases either acetylcholine or norepinephrine depending on the division and effector.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

Which of the following statements correctly compares the efferent pathways of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system uses a single neuron from the CNS to the effector, while the autonomic nervous system uses a two-neuron chain consisting of preganglionic and postganglionic neurons.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the location of ganglia in the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Ganglia are located in a chain close to the spinal cord (paravertebral ganglia) or in collateral ganglia anterior to the vertebral column.

Question 5

Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic postganglionic cholinergic transmission

Question 7

Which of the following is a key difference between visceral and somatic reflexes?

Accepted Answer

Visceral reflexes control internal organs and often involve two motor neurons, while somatic reflexes control skeletal muscles and involve a single motor neuron.

Question 8

Which of the following accurately describes the effect of the parasympathetic division on the heart?

Accepted Answer

It decreases heart rate.

Question 9

Which of the following is true regarding the origin of parasympathetic fibers in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

They originate from the craniosacral regions, including brainstem nuclei and sacral spinal cord.

Question 10

A patient is given a medication that stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Bronchodilation (widening of airways)

Question 11

Which of the following best defines an adrenergic fiber?

Accepted Answer

A nerve fiber that releases norepinephrine or epinephrine as its neurotransmitter

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor type and neurotransmitter?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor – acetylcholine

Question 13

A person is exposed to a stressful situation. Which of the following sequences best describes the sympathetic pathway from the CNS to the adrenal medulla?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron from thoracolumbar spinal cord synapses directly on adrenal medulla cells, which release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the blood.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the general fiber pathway of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Long preganglionic fibers and short postganglionic fibers

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-life example of autonomic nervous system control?

Accepted Answer

Sweating in response to increased body temperature

Question 16

Which of the following effects would be expected if the sympathetic division is activated during a 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of pupils

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the effect of the parasympathetic division on external genitalia?

Accepted Answer

It causes erection by promoting vasodilation.

Question 18

A patient with damage to the thoracolumbar region of the spinal cord would most likely have impaired function in which division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic division has more widespread and longer-lasting effects than the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division stimulates the adrenal medulla to release hormones into the bloodstream, amplifying and prolonging the response.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

They include both nicotinic and muscarinic receptor types.

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