Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference in the number of motor neurons between the somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

The SNS uses one motor neuron, while the ANS uses two motor neurons (preganglionic and postganglionic) in series.

Question 2

A patient is given a drug that blocks muscarinic receptors. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate due to inhibition of parasympathetic input.

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic neurons in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

Which of the following statements about adrenergic receptors is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are activated by norepinephrine and are found on effectors innervated by sympathetic postganglionic neurons.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why sympathetic responses are generally longer lasting than parasympathetic responses?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine lingers at the synapse and is also released into the bloodstream by the adrenal medulla.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of dual innervation by the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The heart receiving both sympathetic and parasympathetic input.

Question 7

A drug acts as an agonist at beta-adrenergic receptors. Which of the following effects would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and force of contraction.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the components of an autonomic reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptor → Sensory neuron → Integrating center → Preganglionic and postganglionic motor neurons → Visceral effector

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the body?

Accepted Answer

Promotes 'rest and digest' activities such as salivation, lacrimation, urination, digestion, and defecation.

Question 10

Which of the following organs receives only sympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

Sweat glands

Question 11

A patient experiences a sudden increase in heart rate, dilation of pupils, and increased blood glucose levels. Which division of the ANS is most likely dominant?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the location of ganglia in the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic ganglia are adjacent or anterior to the spinal column, while parasympathetic ganglia are near or within the walls of visceral organs.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter and receptor type at the neuromuscular junction of skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine acting on nicotinic receptors

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the effect of an antagonist drug on an autonomic receptor?

Accepted Answer

It binds to and blocks the receptor, preventing the natural neurotransmitter from exerting its effect.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the adrenal medulla is considered a modified sympathetic ganglion?

Accepted Answer

It contains modified postganglionic neurons that release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the blood.

Question 16

Which of the following is a physiological effect of sympathetic activation during 'E situations'?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood flow to skeletal and cardiac muscle

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

It regulates the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity based on sensory input and emotions.

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding the effect of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors?

Accepted Answer

It can cause either excitation or inhibition depending on the organ and receptor subtype.

Question 19

A patient is exposed to a substance that inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO). What is the most likely effect on sympathetic neurotransmission?

Accepted Answer

Increased duration of norepinephrine action at the synapse.

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

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