Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary effectors of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

Smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands

Question 2

A patient is given a drug that blocks all muscarinic receptors. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Pupil dilation and decreased salivation

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 4

A person is startled by a loud noise. Which division of the ANS is primarily activated, and what are two expected physiological responses?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic; increased heart rate and pupil dilation

Question 5

Which of the following statements about adrenergic receptors is correct?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine binding to beta receptors in the heart is stimulatory

Question 6

A patient with hypertension is prescribed an alpha-blocker. What is the expected effect of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of blood vessels and decreased blood pressure

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why sympathetic activation produces longer-lasting effects than parasympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine is inactivated more slowly than acetylcholine and is released into the bloodstream

Question 8

Which of the following is a unique function regulated only by the sympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of sweat glands

Question 9

A drug that inhibits acetylcholinesterase would most likely cause which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Increased acetylcholine levels and prolonged muscle contraction

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the efferent pathway of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

A two-neuron chain with a lightly myelinated preganglionic neuron and an unmyelinated postganglionic neuron

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic-induced erection and sympathetic-induced ejaculation

Question 12

Which of the following best explains referred pain?

Accepted Answer

Visceral pain afferents travel along the same pathways as somatic pain fibers, causing pain from organs to be perceived as somatic in origin

Question 13

Which of the following drugs would most likely be used to treat arrhythmias by reducing heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Beta-blockers

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding muscarinic receptors?

Accepted Answer

They can be either inhibitory or excitatory depending on the target organ

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the hypothalamus in autonomic nervous system control?

Accepted Answer

It is the main integration center for ANS activity, regulating heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and emotional responses

Question 16

Which of the following is a metabolic effect promoted by the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Mobilization of fat as a food source

Question 17

A patient is given a medication that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa. What is the expected effect?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of blood vessels and decreased mucous production

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems in terms of neurotransmitter release at the effector?

Accepted Answer

Somatic releases acetylcholine; autonomic releases either acetylcholine or norepinephrine

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about sympathetic tone?

Accepted Answer

It keeps blood vessels in a continual state of partial constriction

Question 20

Which of the following is a likely effect of blocking parasympathetic responses with a drug such as atropine?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and blocked fecal and urinary retention

Chapter 14: The Autonomic Nervous System – Structure, Function, and Regulation

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