Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary functional difference between the somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

The SNS controls voluntary muscle, the ANS controls involuntary muscle.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity after being startled by a loud noise. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for these effects?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Question 3

Which brain region acts as the main integration center for autonomic nervous system activity, especially in response to emotional stimuli?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Increased activity of the gastrointestinal tract

Question 5

Why are many preganglionic fibers in the sympathetic nervous system short?

Accepted Answer

Many preganglionic fibers in the sympathetic division synapse at the sympathetic trunk, which is close to the spinal cord.

Question 6

Which of the following accurately describes the pathway for an impulse in the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Spinal cord \u003e preganglionic fiber \u003e ganglion \u003e postganglionic fiber \u003e effector

Question 7

Which of the following structures would NOT be innervated by splanchnic nerves?

Accepted Answer

Heart

Question 8

Which neurotransmitter is released at all synapses in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 9

A lesion on the anterior hypothalamus would most affect which division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Promotes digestion and energy storage

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic nervous system decreases activity in the digestive tract during a 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

During sympathetic activation, energy is required elsewhere in the body for more 'essential' functions.

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE regarding neurotransmitter release in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic postganglionic fibers release acetylcholine.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a step in the visceral reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Effector is always skeletal muscle

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference in fiber length between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic fibers are short; parasympathetic preganglionic fibers are long.

Question 15

Which of the following receptor types is found at the synapse between preganglionic and postganglionic neurons in both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neurotransmitter and receptor in the sympathetic division at the target organ?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine and adrenergic receptor

Question 17

Which nerve provides about 90% of parasympathetic innervation to the body?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a function of the reticular formation in the brainstem?

Accepted Answer

Processing and interpretation of emotional stimuli

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division increases heart rate, parasympathetic division decreases heart rate.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-life example of a somatic nervous system response?

Accepted Answer

Throwing a ball

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards