Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems in terms of their effectors?

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system innervates only skeletal muscle, while the autonomic nervous system innervates cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands.

Question 2

A patient is given a drug that blocks muscarinic receptors. Which of the following effects would you expect to observe?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and decreased salivation

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic division produces more widespread and longer-lasting effects than the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic postganglionic fibers release norepinephrine and epinephrine, which can enter the bloodstream and affect distant organs.

Question 5

Which receptor type is found on all postganglionic neurons and cells of the adrenal medulla, and always produces an excitatory response when bound by acetylcholine?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 6

A person 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 effects?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor subtype and its general effect?

Accepted Answer

$$\$$beta_2$$ adrenergic receptor – inhibitory

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the anatomical origin of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Craniosacral region (brainstem and sacral spinal cord)

Question 9

A drug that inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) would most likely have which effect on sympathetic neurotransmission?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged action of norepinephrine at adrenergic synapses

Question 10

Which of the following is a physiological effect of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of pupils

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter and receptor interaction at the effector organ in the sympathetic division (excluding sweat glands)?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine binds to adrenergic receptors

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding sympathetic tone?

Accepted Answer

It maintains blood vessels in a state of partial constriction, regulating blood pressure.

Question 13

Which cranial nerves carry parasympathetic fibers?

Accepted Answer

III, VII, IX, X

Question 14

A patient is given a beta-blocker that specifically blocks $$\$$beta_1$$ adrenergic receptors. Which effect would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It serves as the main integrative center for ANS activity.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of activating $$\$$alpha_2$$ adrenergic receptors in the pancreas?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of insulin release

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the two-neuron chain in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neuron → autonomic ganglion → postganglionic neuron → effector organ

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-life example of sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

A person running from a dangerous animal experiences increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity.

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Structure, Function, and Neurotransmitters

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards