Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems in terms of their efferent pathways?

Accepted Answer

The somatic pathway uses a single myelinated neuron to reach skeletal muscle, while the autonomic pathway uses two neurons (preganglionic and postganglionic) with a synapse in an autonomic ganglion.

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that severs autonomic nerves to the heart. What is the most likely immediate effect?

Accepted Answer

The heart will continue to beat, but with exaggerated responses to stimuli (denervation hypersensitivity).

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 pairing of receptor type and its typical effect?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-adrenergic receptor – usually excitatory

Question 5

A drug that blocks beta-adrenergic receptors would most likely cause which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate and blood pressure

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why sympathetic effects tend to last longer than parasympathetic effects?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine can diffuse into the bloodstream and is not broken down as quickly as acetylcholine.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a target organ of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscle

Question 8

Which route do sympathetic nerve fibers take to innervate the heart?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nerve route

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of the enteric nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It regulates motility and secretion in the digestive tract independently, but also receives input from the ANS.

Question 10

A newborn fails to pass their first bowel movement and is diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease. What is the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Absence of the enteric plexus in the sigmoid colon and rectum

Question 11

Which cranial nerve carries the majority of parasympathetic fibers to the thoracic and abdominal viscera?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Most organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which may have antagonistic or cooperative effects.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of an organ that receives only sympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

Sweat glands

Question 14

Which of the following best explains the effect of caffeine on the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Caffeine competes with adenosine by binding to its receptors, reducing sleepiness.

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the adrenal medulla?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a modified sympathetic ganglion and releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of increased sympathetic tone on blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstriction due to smooth muscle contraction

Question 17

Which brain region is considered the major control center of the autonomic nervous system, integrating emotional and visceral responses?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 18

Which of the following drugs would enhance parasympathetic activity?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathomimetic

Question 19

A patient is given a drug that acts as a muscarinic receptor antagonist. Which of the following effects would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased secretion of glands and reduced smooth muscle contraction in the gut

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

It is the normal background rate of activity that represents the balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

The Autonomic Nervous System and Visceral Reflexes: Structure, Function, and Control CH 15

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