Question 1

Which of the following best describes the sequence of components in a visceral reflex arc, as shown in the first image?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Integration center → Motor neuron → Effector

Question 2

Which neurotransmitter is released at the neuroeffector junction of most sympathetic postganglionic neurons, and what is its general effect on target organs?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine (NE); effect can be excitatory or inhibitory depending on the receptor

Question 3

A patient presents with a dilated pupil, increased heart rate, and decreased salivation. Which division of the ANS is most likely activated, and what is the origin of its preganglionic fibers?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division; thoracolumbar origin (T1-L2)

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic axons branch extensively and NE is slowly inactivated; adrenal medulla releases hormones into the blood

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the neurotransmitter profiles of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

All preganglionic neurons in the ANS release acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 6

Which of the following structures receives ONLY sympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal medulla, sweat glands, and most blood vessels

Question 7

A drug that blocks muscarinic receptors would most likely cause which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Decreased salivation and increased heart rate

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference in ganglia location between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic ganglia are close to the spinal cord; parasympathetic ganglia are in or near effector organs

Question 9

Which receptor type is always excitatory when acetylcholine binds to it?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 10

A patient is given a beta-2 adrenergic agonist. Which of the following effects would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Relaxation of smooth muscle in the bronchioles

Question 11

Which cranial nerve carries parasympathetic fibers that innervate the heart, lungs, and most abdominal viscera?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why blood vessels are said to exhibit sympathetic (vasomotor) tone?

Accepted Answer

They are kept in a continual state of partial constriction by sympathetic fibers

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the integration of ANS activity in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is the main integration center for the ANS

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the effect of parasympathetic activation on the body?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate, increased digestive activity, and constricted pupils

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor type and its general effect when activated?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor: excitatory

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the pathway of sympathetic preganglionic fibers that stimulate the adrenal medulla?

Accepted Answer

They pass through the sympathetic trunk without synapsing and synapse directly with adrenal medullary cells

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the brainstem in the hierarchy of ANS control?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory patterns

Question 18

Which of the following best describes dual innervation in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the conduction speed of nerve fibers in the ANS compared to the SNS?

Accepted Answer

Conduction is slower in the ANS because postganglionic fibers are unmyelinated and thinner

The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Control

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