Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Control of involuntary visceral functions such as heart rate and digestion

Question 2

Which of the following is a key difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division generally increases heart rate, while the parasympathetic division decreases it.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 5

The sympathetic division of the ANS has preganglionic neurons that originate in which region of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Thoracolumbar region

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the general anatomical organization of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Long preganglionic and short postganglionic fibers

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Originates in the thoracic spinal cord and synapses in a paravertebral ganglion

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the neurotransmitters of the ANS is correct?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic postganglionic neurons typically release norepinephrine.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic effects on target organs

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Dilation of the pupils (mydriasis)

Question 11

Which of the following is a real-life example of dual innervation by the ANS?

Accepted Answer

The heart receives both sympathetic and parasympathetic input, allowing for increased or decreased heart rate.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division stimulates the release of hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream.

Question 13

A patient is given a medication that mimics the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system. Which of the following effects would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate and increased digestive activity

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Brainstem and sacral spinal cord

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the organization of the sympathetic trunk (chain) ganglia?

Accepted Answer

They run parallel to the vertebral column from the cervical to the sacral region.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the enteric nervous system, a component of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Control of gastrointestinal motility and secretion

Question 17

A patient with damage to the vagus nerve would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Decreased parasympathetic stimulation to thoracic and abdominal organs

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on blood vessels supplying skeletal muscles?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of blood vessels

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct description of the neurotransmitter released by parasympathetic postganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 20

A patient is exposed to a toxin that selectively destroys sympathetic postganglionic neurons. Which of the following symptoms would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Decreased ability to respond to stress (e.g., reduced 'fight or flight' response)

The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Organization

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards