Which of the following best describes the basic function of the autonomic nervous system?

a. Controls the somatic nervous system

b. Controls automatic functions to maintain homeostasis

c. Detects somatic sensory information

d. All of the above

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

c. The visceral motor division is also known as the autonomic nervous system and maintains homeostasis of many physiological variables.

Regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and digestive functions is carried out by the:

a. Somatic motor division of the peripheral nervous system.

b. Central nervous system.

c. Visceral sensory division of the peripheral nervous system.

d. Autonomic nervous system.

The sympathetic nervous system is also known as the ________ division because the cell bodies of its preganglionic neurons are located in the ________ .

You are running a race to the top of a mountain. Explain all the changes your sympathetic nervous system will initiate to maintain homeostasis as you run the race.

Common findings in heart failure are fluid retention by the kidneys and stimulation of the heart by the sympathetic nervous system. How would both of these findings help the body to compensate for the failing heart?

Using 20 or fewer words, define each of the following terms in your own words.

a. Sympathetic nervous system

Describe all the changes initiated by the parasympathetic nervous system that will take place when you finish the race. How will these changes maintain homeostasis?

The drug neostigmine blocks the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft. Predict the effects of this drug.

Using 20 or fewer words, define each of the following terms in your own words.

b. Parasympathetic nervous system

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons synapse:

a. directly on target cells.

b. on skeletal muscle fibers.

c. on sympathetic chain or collateral ganglia.

d. on vagal ganglia.

Which cranial nerves would be affected by a drug that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system? Predict potential adverse effects that one might experience.

Many chemical warfare agents, such as the poisonous gas sarin, block the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft. What effects will this poison have on muscle contraction? What effects will it have on the autonomic nervous system? What symptoms would you expect to see from this poison?

A patient, Dr. Young, has both asthma and high blood pressure. Her physician prescribed the drug propranolol to treat her hypertension; this drug blocks all types of β-adrenergic receptors. She also takes the drug albuterol for asthma, which activates β₂ receptors on bronchial smooth muscle. Will the pairing of these two drugs cause problems for Dr. Young? Explain.

Mr. Chevalier has been diagnosed with Horner syndrome, which is caused by dysfunction of the sympathetic neurons in the superior cervical ganglion that innervate structures of the head, face, and neck. What symptoms is Mr. Chevalier likely to face due to his disease? Explain.

The poison curare (kyoo-RAH-ray) blocks the binding of acetylcholine to its receptors at the neuromuscular junction. What effects would you predict from such a poison? Can you think of any useful applications for it? Why might an overdose of it be lethal?

Differentiate between adrenergic and cholinergic receptors.

Which neurotransmitter(s) is/are used by sympathetic postganglionic neurons?

a. Epinephrine

b. Norepinephrine

c. Acetylcholine

d. Both a and b

e. All of the above

Explain what happens when sympathetic neurons stimulate the adrenal medulla. What purpose does this serve?

Which of the following actions would you expect when sympathetic neurons release norepinephrine onto β₁ receptors?

a. Decreased sweat production

b. Constriction of blood vessels serving the digestive, urinary, and integumentary systems

c. Adjustment of the shape of the lens

d. Increase in the rate and force of contraction of the heart.

Mark each of the following as an effect of the sympathetic nervous system or the parasympathetic nervous system.

a. ________ Bronchodilation

b.________ Bronchoconstriction

c. ________ Constriction of pupil

d. ________ Vasoconstriction of blood vessels serving organs of digestive, urinary, and integumentary systems

e. ________ Increased metabolic rate

f. ________ Dilation of pupil

g.________ Contraction of smooth muscle of digestive tract

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

a. The parasympathetic nervous system generally decreases the secretion from digestive glands.

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

b. Sympathetic stimulation increases sweat secretion.

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

c. The parasympathetic nervous system releases acetylcholine onto all its synapses.

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

d. Sympathetic tone controls the resting rate of the heart.

________ receptors are located on parasympathetic postganglionic neurons, and________ receptors are located on parasympathetic target cells.

Match the following neurotransmitters with their correct description.    ​​​​

_____ GABA    ​​​​

_____ Dopamine     

_____ Substance P     

_____ Acetylcholine    ​​​​

_____ Glutamate     

_____ Endorphins     

_____ Norepinephrine

a. Neuropeptide involved in transmission of pain

b. Neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction

c. Major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain

d. Major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain

e. Neuropeptide involved in relief of pain

f. Catecholamine involved in the autonomic nervous system

g. Catecholamine involved in movement and behavior

Parasympathetic ganglia are typically:

a. Located along the spinal cord

b. Located near their target cells

c. Located within the central nervous system

d. Parasympathetic neurons do not synapse in ganglia

Central nervous system control over the ANS is mediated by:

a. The reticular formation

b. The hypothalamus

c. The thalamus

d. Both a and b

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

d. The crossed-extension reflex occurs simultaneously with the simple stretch reflex.