$$\text{Blood Pressure} \propto \frac{1}{\text{Vessel Diameter}}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the efferent pathway of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

Two neurons synapse at a ganglion, with the preganglionic neuron originating in the CNS and the postganglionic neuron extending to the effector.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and decreased motility of the digestive tract

Question 4

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 5

Which of the following statements about nicotinic receptors is correct?

Accepted Answer

Binding of ACh to nicotinic receptors is always stimulatory.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the origin and structure of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic fibers are long and originate in the craniosacral region.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct effect of the sympathetic division on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increases heart rate

Question 8

Which receptor type is responsible for the stimulatory effect of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 9

A patient experiences increased blood pressure due to faster firing of vasomotor fibers. Which division of the ANS is responsible?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why the parasympathetic division elicits short-lived and highly localized control over effectors?

Accepted Answer

ACh is quickly destroyed by acetylcholinesterase.

Question 11

Which of the following is true regarding adrenergic fibers?

Accepted Answer

They release norepinephrine at most sympathetic postganglionic axons.

Question 12

Which of the following is a cooperative effect of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic fibers cause erection, sympathetic fibers cause ejaculation.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the effect of NE binding to β2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Relaxation of bronchioles

Question 14

Which equation best represents the relationship between sympathetic tone and blood vessel diameter?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Blood Pressure} \propto \frac{1}{	ext{Vessel Diameter}}$$

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a function of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Mobilizes body during activity

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic division on the liver?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates release of glucose to blood

Question 17

Which of the following is true about the location of autonomic ganglia in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Ganglia are close to or within the target organs.

Question 18

A patient is experiencing urinary retention and increased heart rate after taking a drug. Which division of the ANS is most likely being inhibited?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic division on adipose tissue?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown)

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about dual innervation of visceral organs?

Accepted Answer

Both divisions are partially active and produce dynamic antagonistic interactions.

The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Divisions

Study Guide - Practice Questions