Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It regulates unconscious processes such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

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 division

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the length of fibers in the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division has short preganglionic and long postganglionic fibers.

Question 5

Which receptor type is found on the target tissue of the sympathetic division and is primarily activated by norepinephrine?

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic receptor

Question 6

What is the main neurotransmitter released by postganglionic neurons in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 7

Which of the following is a response to increased parasympathetic activity?

Accepted Answer

Increased secretion by digestive glands

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic stimulation of digestive glands

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Near the spinal cord in the sympathetic chain

Question 10

Which enzyme rapidly inactivates acetylcholine at the synapse?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a typical effect of sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of pupils

Question 12

Which division of the ANS is primarily responsible for sexual arousal and erection in males?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the enteric nervous system (ENS) is correct?

Accepted Answer

It coordinates complex visceral reflexes in the digestive tract.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the effects of parasympathetic stimulation are short-lived?

Accepted Answer

ACh is rapidly broken down by acetylcholinesterase.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Increased cardiac output

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neurotransmitter and receptor in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

ACh and nicotinic receptor

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

It is mediated by the sympathetic division and increases alertness and metabolic rate.

Question 18

Which of the following is a multi-step process that occurs during sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Mobilization of fat to muscle and liver cells, increasing ATP production

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine is broken down more slowly than acetylcholine.

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of muscarinic receptors in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

They mediate excitatory or inhibitory responses via G proteins.

Ch 16: The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Structure, Function, and Divisions

Study Guide - Practice Questions