Question 1

Which of the following best describes a key difference between the effectors of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system innervates skeletal muscle, while the autonomic nervous system innervates cardiac muscle, smooth 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 primarily responsible for these effects?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

Where do the preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division originate in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Thoracolumbar region of the spinal cord

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the locations of ganglia in the parasympathetic division is correct?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic ganglia are located close to or within the walls of target organs.

Question 6

Which of the following best defines an adrenergic fiber?

Accepted Answer

A nerve fiber that releases norepinephrine as its neurotransmitter.

Question 7

Which receptor type is activated by acetylcholine in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors

Question 8

A person is exposed to a stressful situation. Which of the following best describes the general fiber pathway of the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Short preganglionic fibers and long postganglionic fibers

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Visceral reflexes control involuntary effectors such as smooth muscle, while somatic reflexes control voluntary skeletal muscle.

Question 10

Which of the following effects would be expected if the parasympathetic division is activated?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate and increased gastrointestinal activity

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Reduced salivation and decreased gastrointestinal motility

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the adrenal medulla?

Accepted Answer

It causes the adrenal medulla to release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream.

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding the neurotransmitters released by postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Most release norepinephrine, but some (such as those to sweat glands) release acetylcholine.

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic division but not the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of urination

Question 15

A person is exposed to a bright light. Which autonomic division is responsible for the constriction of the pupils, and what is the effect called?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division; miosis

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Long preganglionic fibers and short postganglionic fibers

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor type and neurotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Alpha receptor – norepinephrine

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the control of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It is primarily controlled by centers in the hypothalamus and brainstem.

Question 19

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the thoracic level loses sympathetic innervation below the injury. Which of the following symptoms would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Decreased ability to increase heart rate during exercise

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-life example of a visceral reflex?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of blood pressure by baroreceptor reflex

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