Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity after a car accident. Which division of the ANS is primarily responsible for these responses?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

Which of the following is a correct pathway for sympathetic innervation to the adrenal medulla?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron → adrenal medulla (direct synapse)

Question 5

Which receptor type is primarily responsible for the excitatory effects of norepinephrine on smooth muscle cells in blood vessels during sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-1 (α1) receptors

Question 6

A drug that blocks acetylcholinesterase (AChE) would most likely cause which of the following effects on parasympathetic target organs?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged stimulation due to increased levels of ACh

Question 7

Which cranial nerve carries approximately 75% of all parasympathetic outflow?

Accepted Answer

Vagus (X)

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why the effects of adrenal medulla activation last longer than direct sympathetic nerve stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Hormones released into the bloodstream are broken down more slowly than neurotransmitters at synapses.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Independent control of digestive tract motility and secretion

Question 10

A patient is exposed to a toxin that binds to muscarinic receptors. Which of the following symptoms would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Altered parasympathetic responses such as excessive salivation and sweating

Question 11

Which of the following best describes dual innervation?

Accepted Answer

Most vital organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, often with opposing effects.

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the effects of aging on the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Memory consolidation becomes more difficult and reaction times slow down.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the visceral reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Processing center → Two visceral motor neurons → Effector

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the reticular activating system (RAS) in consciousness?

Accepted Answer

RAS produces widespread activation of the cerebral cortex, maintaining wakefulness.

Question 15

Which of the following neurotransmitters is most closely associated with the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 16

Which of the following is a characteristic of REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

Active dreaming occurs and the EEG resembles the awake state.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why memory consolidation is impaired in damage to the hippocampus?

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus is essential for converting short-term memories to long-term memories.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of beta-2 (β2) adrenergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Trigger relaxation of smooth muscle along the respiratory tract

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic tone on blood vessel diameter?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic tone keeps blood vessels partially contracted, allowing for increased or decreased diameter as needed.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the effects of serotonin in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Increased serotonin activity can produce hallucinations, while decreased activity can cause depression.

The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions: ANP Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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