Question 1

Which of the following best describes the organization of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) compared to the somatic nervous system (SNS)?

Accepted Answer

The ANS uses two neurons (preganglionic and postganglionic) to reach its effectors, while the SNS uses a single lower motor neuron.

Question 2

Which neurotransmitter is released at all synapses in the parasympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 3

A patient experiences increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and dilated pupils during a stressful event. Which division of the ANS is primarily responsible for these effects?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the location of ganglia in the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic ganglia are located near the spinal cord, while parasympathetic ganglia are near or within the effector organ.

Question 5

Which pathway allows the sympathetic division to produce widespread and persistent effects throughout the body?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal medullae pathway

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of autonomic plexuses?

Accepted Answer

They are nerve networks in thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities containing both sympathetic postganglionic and parasympathetic preganglionic fibers.

Question 7

Which receptor type is found on ganglionic neurons and acts as a chemically gated channel for acetylcholine?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Communication between ganglionic neurons and effector cells in the parasympathetic division

Question 9

Which of the following statements about visceral reflexes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Visceral reflexes can be modified by the hypothalamus and are always polysynaptic.

Question 10

Which neurotransmitter is released from varicosities in the sympathetic division and has longer-lasting effects?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 11

Which division of the ANS is responsible for sexual arousal, constriction of pupils, and reduction in heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why sympathetic effects are more pervasive than parasympathetic effects?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division innervates the body wall, blood vessels, and releases hormones into the bloodstream.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct description of autonomic tone?

Accepted Answer

It is the resting level of spontaneous activity in ANS neurons, allowing for adjustment in either direction.

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the enteric nervous system (ENS)?

Accepted Answer

The ENS can execute some local functions independently of the CNS.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between alpha and beta adrenergic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Alpha receptors respond to norepinephrine at synapses, while beta receptors respond to epinephrine or norepinephrine from the bloodstream.

Question 16

A patient is given a drug that increases the activity of G proteins in effector cells. Which receptor type is most likely being activated?

Accepted Answer

Muscarinic receptor

Question 17

Which of the following is a feature of the sympathetic division's collateral ganglia?

Accepted Answer

They are unpaired and located anterior to the vertebral bodies.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct sequence for a long visceral reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Sensory neuron → interneuron in CNS → preganglionic neuron → ganglionic neuron → effector

Question 19

Which equation best represents the relationship between the number of neurons in the SNS and ANS pathways to effectors?

Accepted Answer

$$N_{SNS} = 1$$

Question 20

If a patient has damage to the lateral gray horn of the spinal cord at T1-L2, which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic neuron function

The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Integration

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