Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of dual innervation in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Most organs receive input from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, which usually have opposing effects.

Question 2

During a 'fight-or-flight' response, which of the following physiological changes is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and mobilization of energy stores

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and decreased digestive activity

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the adrenal medulla is correct?

Accepted Answer

It consists of modified sympathetic postganglionic cells called chromaffin cells.

Question 6

Which type of receptor is found on the effector organs of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Muscarinic cholinergic receptor

Question 7

A person stands up quickly and experiences a drop in blood pressure. Which autonomic reflex response is triggered to restore homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

Increased sympathetic output to the heart and blood vessels

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic nervous system can produce a more diffuse response than the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons can synapse with many postganglionic neurons and stimulate the adrenal medulla to release hormones into the bloodstream.

Question 9

Which of the following drugs would be most appropriate to treat an overactive bladder, and what is a likely side effect?

Accepted Answer

A muscarinic antagonist; possible dry mouth

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neurotransmitter and the type of neuron that releases it in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine – sympathetic preganglionic neuron

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action for $eta_2$ adrenergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

They activate adenylate cyclase, increasing cAMP levels and causing an inhibitory effect on smooth muscle.

Question 12

A patient with asthma is prescribed a $eta_2$ adrenergic agonist. What is the expected effect of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of bronchial smooth muscle

Question 13

Which of the following statements about neuroeffector junctions in the autonomic nervous system is correct?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter is released from multiple varicosities along the axon, allowing for widespread effects on the effector organ.

Question 14

Which area of the brain is primarily responsible for initiating the fight-or-flight response?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 15

Which of the following best explains the effect of regular endurance exercise on resting heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Decreased sympathetic activity and increased parasympathetic activity at rest

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the anatomical arrangement of the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons are short and synapse in ganglia near the spinal cord.

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of visceral reflexes in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They automatically adjust organ function in response to changes in the internal environment.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of acetylcholine binding to nicotinic receptors on postganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

It opens cation channels, leading to depolarization and excitation.

Question 19

A patient is experiencing excessive sweating. Which branch of the autonomic nervous system and which neurotransmitter are most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic branch; acetylcholine

The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Regulation

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