Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Control of involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate

Question 2

The ANS is divided into two main branches. Which of the following correctly pairs each division with its general effect on the body?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic: fight or flight; Parasympathetic: rest and digest

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is primarily released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons at most target organs?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 4

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity. Which division of the ANS is most likely activated?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the anatomical organization of the sympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Thoracolumbar origin, short preganglionic fibers, long postganglionic fibers

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct pathway for a sympathetic preganglionic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Lateral horn of spinal cord (T1-L2) $$\rightarrow$$ ventral root $$\rightarrow$$ white ramus communicans $$\rightarrow$$ sympathetic chain ganglion

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the parasympathetic division is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It uses acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter at both pre- and postganglionic synapses.

Question 8

A drug that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors would most directly affect which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic effects on target organs

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of the adrenal medulla in the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a modified sympathetic ganglion, releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine into the blood.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a visceral effector regulated by the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate modulation

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The adrenal medulla releases hormones into the bloodstream, affecting multiple organs.

Question 12

A patient presents with a loss of sympathetic tone to the blood vessels. Which of the following symptoms would you most likely observe?

Accepted Answer

Widespread vasodilation and decreased blood pressure

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about dual innervation in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Most visceral organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, often with opposing effects.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter released by all preganglionic neurons in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 15

A patient is given a drug that mimics the effect of norepinephrine on target organs. Which of the following effects would you expect to observe?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and decreased digestive activity

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of digestive gland secretion

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the location of parasympathetic preganglionic neuron cell bodies?

Accepted Answer

Brainstem and sacral spinal cord

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the parasympathetic pathway to the heart?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve $$\rightarrow$$ cardiac plexus $$\rightarrow$$ heart

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the pupils?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of pupils (mydriasis)

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the enteric nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It can function independently of the CNS but is modulated by the ANS.

The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Organization

Study Guide - Practice Questions