Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and reduced digestive activity. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is most active?

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 of the adrenal medulla?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron → adrenal medulla (direct synapse)

Question 5

Which type of receptor is primarily responsible for the excitatory effects of norepinephrine on smooth muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-1 (α1) receptor

Question 6

A drug that blocks acetylcholinesterase (AChE) would have what effect on parasympathetic signaling?

Accepted Answer

It would increase the duration and intensity of acetylcholine action at the synapse.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerve X (vagus)

Question 8

Which of the following best explains the concept of dual innervation in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

A patient is given a drug that selectively stimulates beta-2 (β2) adrenergic receptors. Which of the following effects would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Relaxation of smooth muscle in the respiratory tract

Question 10

Which of the following statements about visceral reflexes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Short visceral reflexes bypass the CNS and control localized responses.

Question 11

Which brain region is essential for the consolidation of new long-term memories?

Accepted Answer

Amygdaloid body and hippocampus

Question 12

A patient with damage to the hippocampus would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Inability to form new long-term memories

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the effect of aging on the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

There is a reduction in brain size, number of neurons, and synaptic connections.

Question 14

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for the effects of the sympathetic postganglionic fibers on most target organs?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

Decreased muscle tone and active dreaming

Question 16

A patient is exposed to muscarine, a toxin from certain mushrooms. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of muscarinic receptors, especially in the parasympathetic division

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the concept of autonomic tone?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic neurons maintain a background level of activity, allowing for increases or decreases in function.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-life example of the functional significance of dual innervation?

Accepted Answer

The heart rate is regulated by both sympathetic (increases) and parasympathetic (decreases) divisions.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

It produces widespread activation of the cerebral cortex, maintaining consciousness.

Question 20

A patient with Parkinson’s disease is most likely to have a deficiency in which neurotransmitter?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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