Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems regarding their effector organs?

Accepted Answer

Somatic nervous system targets skeletal muscle, while autonomic nervous system targets smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

Question 2

During a stressful situation, which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily activated, and what is a typical physiological response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division; increased heart rate and dilated pupils.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

A patient is given an alpha-blocker drug to treat hypertension. Which mechanism best explains how this drug lowers blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

It blocks alpha-adrenergic receptors, reducing vasoconstriction.

Question 5

Which pathway correctly describes the sympathetic innervation to the abdominal viscera?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic fibers pass through white rami communicans, travel to collateral ganglia, synapse, and postganglionic fibers innervate abdominal viscera.

Question 6

Which receptor type is responsible for the excitation of all postganglionic neurons in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic

Question 7

If a drug blocks muscarinic receptors, which of the following effects would most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and urinary retention

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

$$D = \frac{1}{S}$$, where $$D is $$vessel diameter and $$S is $$sympathetic tone$

Question 9

Which of the following is a unique role of the sympathetic division not shared with the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of sweat glands and thermoregulatory responses

Question 10

A patient presents with fainting episodes upon standing, dry eyes, and constipation. Which age-related change in the autonomic nervous system is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Decline in ANS function leading to reduced responsiveness of pressure receptors and decreased digestive motility

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Most visceral organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, causing opposite effects.

Question 12

Which neurotransmitter is released by sympathetic postganglionic fibers at sweat glands?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 13

Which of the following scenarios illustrates a cooperative effect between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division causes vasodilation for erection, while sympathetic division causes ejaculation.

Question 14

Which equation best represents the effect of sympathetic stimulation on heart rate ($$HR$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$HR = HR_0$ + \Delta HR_{sympathetic}$$, where $$HR_0 is $$baseline heart rate$

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the craniosacral division of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic fibers are long and synapse in terminal ganglia close to or within target organs.

Question 16

Which receptor subtype is primarily responsible for increasing heart rate and force of contraction in response to sympathetic stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Beta-1 ($$\$$beta_1$$) adrenergic

Question 17

A patient with Reynaud’s disease experiences painful, pale, and cyanotic fingers during cold exposure. Which mechanism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Exaggerated sympathetic vasoconstriction in skin blood vessels

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of the parasympathetic division on the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Increases motility (peristalsis) and stimulates digestion

Question 19

Which equation best represents the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on pupil diameter ($$PD$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$PD = PD_0$ - \Delta PD_{parasympathetic}$$, where $$PD_0 is $$baseline pupil diameter$

The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Aspects

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