Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses during stressful situations.

Question 2

A patient is given a medication that blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors. Which physiological effect would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate and reduced force of contraction

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

$$\$$alpha_2$$ receptor – generally inhibitory, decreases cAMP

Question 5

Which anatomical feature distinguishes the sympathetic division from the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic ganglia are close to the spinal cord and preganglionic neurons are short.

Question 6

A person is experiencing increased sweating, dilated pupils, and increased heart rate. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for these effects?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 7

Which cranial nerve carries the majority of parasympathetic outflow to the thoracic and abdominal organs?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why the adrenal medulla can produce a rapid, widespread sympathetic response?

Accepted Answer

It releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream, affecting multiple organs simultaneously.

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the enteric division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Localized control of digestive system activity

Question 10

A patient is given a muscarinic receptor agonist. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Increased secretion from digestive glands

Question 11

Which of the following best describes autonomic tone?

Accepted Answer

The constant background activity of both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Question 12

Which of the following is a direct effect of activating $$\$$beta_2$$ adrenergic receptors in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Bronchodilation

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why sympathetic stimulation decreases digestive activity?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic stimulation causes contraction of GI tract sphincters and decreases digestive secretions.

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding the neurotransmitters and receptors in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Postganglionic neurons release acetylcholine onto muscarinic receptors.

Question 15

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the level of T1–L2 would most likely have impaired function in which division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct sequence of signal transmission in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

CNS → preganglionic neuron → autonomic ganglion → postganglionic neuron → effector

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Decreases heart rate and force of contraction

Question 18

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of the somatic nervous system compared to the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscle.

Question 19

Which of the following would most likely occur if a drug blocked all nicotinic receptors in the autonomic ganglia?

Accepted Answer

Both sympathetic and parasympathetic postganglionic neurons would fail to activate.

The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Neurotransmission

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