Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference in neurotransmitter release between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems at their effector organs?

Accepted Answer

Somatic motor neurons release acetylcholine, which is always stimulatory, while autonomic postganglionic neurons may release acetylcholine or norepinephrine, which can be stimulatory or inhibitory.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Decreased salivation and increased heart rate

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the anatomical differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic fibers originate from the brainstem and sacral spinal cord, while sympathetic fibers originate from the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord.

Question 4

A person is experiencing a 'fight-or-flight' response. Which of the following physiological changes is most likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of pupils and increased heart rate

Question 5

Which receptor type is responsible for the stimulatory effect of acetylcholine on skeletal muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 6

A drug that acts as a beta-blocker would most likely be used to:

Accepted Answer

Decrease heart rate and lower blood pressure

Question 7

Which of the following organs receives only sympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

Sweat glands

Question 8

If a patient has a spinal cord injury above T6 and develops autonomic dysreflexia, what is the most immediate life-threatening risk?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled hypertension leading to stroke

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine and epinephrine released by the adrenal medulla circulate in the blood and are inactivated more slowly than acetylcholine.

Question 10

A patient is prescribed an alpha-adrenergic agonist for nasal congestion. What is the expected effect on blood vessels in the nasal mucosa?

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstriction, reducing congestion

Question 11

Which of the following is a cooperative effect of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Control of external genitalia during sexual activity

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the hypothalamus in autonomic nervous system control?

Accepted Answer

It is the main integrative center for ANS activity, influencing heart rate, blood pressure, and emotional responses.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neurotransmitter and receptor type for the sympathetic postganglionic neuron acting on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine acting on beta-1 adrenergic receptors

Question 14

A patient with Raynaud’s disease experiences painful, pale fingers in response to cold. Which division of the ANS is primarily responsible for this response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the effect of acetylcholine binding to muscarinic receptors on cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

It decreases heart rate.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Promotes digestion and energy conservation

Question 17

A patient is given neostigmine, a drug that inhibits acetylcholinesterase. What is the expected effect on synaptic transmission at cholinergic synapses?

Accepted Answer

Increased acetylcholine levels and prolonged stimulation of effectors

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why blood vessels are primarily under sympathetic control?

Accepted Answer

Blood vessels lack parasympathetic innervation and rely on sympathetic tone for vasoconstriction and vasodilation.

Question 19

Which of the following is a likely effect of a drug that stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Bronchodilation

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic division on the liver?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates release of glucose to blood

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

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