Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

It regulates subconscious activities such as heart rate, digestion, and glandular activity.

Question 2

A patient is given a drug that blocks muscarinic receptors. Which of the following effects would you expect to observe?

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth due to reduced salivation

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the anatomical differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division has short preganglionic and long postganglionic fibers.

Question 5

A person is startled by a loud noise. Which of the following physiological responses is most likely to occur due to sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of pupils

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division stimulates the adrenal medulla to release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream.

Question 7

Which receptor type is found on all postganglionic neurons and always produces an excitatory response when bound by acetylcholine?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 8

A patient with Raynaud’s disease experiences painful, pale fingers in response to cold. Which division of the ANS is primarily responsible for this response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 9

Which of the following is a unique role of the sympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Activation of sweat glands

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the pathway of a visceral reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

A drug that blocks beta-adrenergic receptors would most likely cause which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate

Question 12

Which of the following organs receives only sympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

Sweat glands

Question 13

Which of the following best explains the concept of 'dual innervation' in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Which of the following is a likely effect of a drug that inhibits acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft of autonomic ganglia?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged activation of nicotinic receptors

Question 15

Which brain region is considered the main integrative center for autonomic nervous system activity?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 16

A patient with a spinal cord injury above T6 develops autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the following is the most dangerous consequence of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Sudden, uncontrolled hypertension

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the liver?

Accepted Answer

Increases glucose release into the blood

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the efferent pathways of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

Somatic pathways use a single, heavily myelinated axon; autonomic pathways use a two-neuron chain.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why blood pressure is maintained by the sympathetic division even at rest?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic tone causes partial constriction of blood vessels.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of a cooperative effect between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Control of external genitalia during sexual activity

Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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