Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

It oversees involuntary processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 3

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity. Which division of the ANS is most active?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Question 4

Which cranial nerve is responsible for the majority of parasympathetic output to thoracic and abdominal viscera?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Question 5

Which of the following statements about preganglionic and postganglionic neurons is correct?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neurons have cell bodies in the CNS and synapse in autonomic ganglia.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains the concept of dual innervation in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, often with opposing effects.

Question 7

A drug that blocks muscarinic receptors would most likely interfere with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic stimulation of target organs

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptor → afferent neuron → CNS → efferent neuron → autonomic ganglion → target organ

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the anatomical difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic axons are short, parasympathetic preganglionic axons are long.

Question 10

Which of the following is true regarding autonomic tone?

Accepted Answer

Both divisions maintain a baseline level of activity, with one dominating depending on the organ.

Question 11

A patient has a spinal cord injury at the thoracic level. Which division of the ANS is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Stimulates digestion and urine formation

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

It acts as the central control center for homeostasis, integrating input and regulating ANS output.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the neurotransmitters and receptors in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Postganglionic neurons release acetylcholine onto muscarinic receptors.

Question 15

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the antagonistic effects of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division increases heart rate, while parasympathetic division decreases it.

Question 16

A patient is given a drug that mimics the effect of acetylcholine on nicotinic receptors. Which of the following is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of all postganglionic neurons in both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the location of sympathetic chain ganglia?

Accepted Answer

Parallel to the vertebral column on both sides

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the sympathetic pathway to an abdominal organ?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron → sympathetic chain ganglion → collateral ganglion → postganglionic neuron → target organ

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic division is called the 'thoracolumbar division'?

Accepted Answer

Its preganglionic neurons originate in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord.

Question 20

Which of the following is the primary effect of sympathetic tone on blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

Partial constriction of blood vessels

The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis: Structure, Function, and Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions