Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

It connects the central nervous system (CNS) with receptors, muscles, and glands throughout the body.

Question 2

A patient suffers damage to the ventral root of a spinal nerve. Which of the following symptoms would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Loss of motor function in the affected area.

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released at the neuromuscular junction in the somatic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

During a 'fight-or-flight' response, which of the following physiological changes is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of blood vessels in skeletal muscles

Question 5

Which division of the peripheral nervous system carries impulses from internal organs to the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Visceral sensory division

Question 6

All spinal nerves are classified as:

Accepted Answer

Mixed nerves

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the autonomic nervous system (ANS) can both excite and inhibit target organs?

Accepted Answer

It has two divisions, sympathetic and parasympathetic, which have opposing effects.

Question 8

A person is exposed to a stressful situation. Which hormone is released by the adrenal medulla to intensify the sympathetic response?

Accepted Answer

Adrenaline

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the pathway of motor neurons in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Two motor neurons are involved, with a synapse in a ganglion.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Decreases rate and strength of contraction

Question 11

A person is experiencing increased salivation and constricted pupils. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is most active?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the efferent (motor) division of the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Transmitting impulses from the CNS to effectors such as muscles and glands

Question 13

Which of the following best describes a mixed nerve?

Accepted Answer

A nerve that carries both sensory and motor impulses

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neurotransmitter and autonomic division?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division – acetylcholine

Question 15

A person is running a marathon. Which division of the nervous system is primarily responsible for increasing heart rate and dilating airways?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the somatic nervous system can produce rapid, voluntary movements?

Accepted Answer

It uses a single motor neuron to directly innervate skeletal muscle.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Decreased blood glucose levels

Question 18

Which structure contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons entering the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal root ganglion

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the medulla oblongata in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It regulates many unconscious autonomic functions such as heart rate and breathing.

Question 20

A person is exposed to a dangerous situation and experiences increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity. Which neurotransmitter is most likely responsible for these effects at the target organs?

Accepted Answer

Noradrenaline

Peripheral Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Divisions

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