Q: Which equation best represents the relationship between neurotransmitter breakdown and duration of effect in the bloodstream?

$$\text{Duration of effect} \propto \frac{1}{\text{Enzyme concentration}}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system controls skeletal muscle, while the autonomic nervous system controls visceral effectors such as smooth muscle, glands, and cardiac muscle.

Question 2

Which neurotransmitter is released by sympathetic preganglionic neurons at the synapse with postganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 3

During a stressful situation, which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily activated, and what is one of its effects?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division; increased heart rate and blood pressure

Question 4

Which of the following statements about sympathetic chain ganglia is correct?

Accepted Answer

They innervate effectors in the body wall, thoracic cavity, head, neck, and limbs.

Question 5

Which neurotransmitter is released by most sympathetic postganglionic neurons at their target organs?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 6

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilation of respiratory passageways, and activation of sweat glands. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 7

Which ganglia are located anterior to the vertebral column and innervate abdominopelvic tissues and viscera?

Accepted Answer

Collateral ganglia

Question 8

What is the primary neurotransmitter released by the adrenal medullae into the bloodstream during sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Question 9

Which receptor type is more sensitive to norepinephrine and is found on target cells of the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Alpha adrenergic receptors

Question 10

Which cranial nerve provides approximately 75% of all parasympathetic output?

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerve X (vagus)

Question 11

Which of the following is a major effect of parasympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of pupils and focusing the lenses on near objects

Question 12

Which type of cholinergic receptor is found on postganglionic neurons of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 13

A long visceral reflex involves which of the following steps?

Accepted Answer

Coordination of activities of an entire organ via visceral sensory neurons, CNS processing, and ANS motor commands

Question 14

Which anatomical change is commonly observed in the brains of elderly individuals?

Accepted Answer

Reduction in brain size and weight

Question 15

Which of the following is a functional change associated with aging in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Slowed reaction times and weakened reflexes

Question 16

Which equation best represents the relationship between neurotransmitter breakdown and duration of effect in the bloodstream?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Duration of effect} \propto \frac{1}{	ext{Enzyme concentration}}$$

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the effects of adrenal medullae activation last longer than direct sympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

There is little monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in tissues and none in blood, so neurotransmitter breakdown is slower.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a typical effect of sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Increased secretion by salivary and digestive glands

Question 19

Which structure is responsible for integrating autonomic functions and coordinating cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive activities?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 20

A patient with arteriosclerosis is at increased risk for which nervous system event?

Accepted Answer

Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)

The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Integration

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