Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To regulate involuntary physiological processes such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate

Question 2

A person encounters a lion in the wild, triggering a 'fight or flight' response. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for this reaction?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is most commonly released by postganglionic sympathetic fibers at their target effectors?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 4

The preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division originate from which region of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Lateral horn

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why visceral pain is often perceived as coming from a distant area of the body (referred pain)?

Accepted Answer

Visceral sensations map to specific regions of the body due to shared neural pathways

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the synapse between autonomic fibers and their target effectors?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter is released from swellings along the axon called varicosities

Question 7

A patient is given atropine (belladonna) during a medical procedure. What is the expected physiological effect?

Accepted Answer

Pupil dilation and reduced secretions

Question 8

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between the number of preganglionic neurons ($$N_{pre}$$), postganglionic neurons ($$N_{post}$$), and target effectors ($$N_{eff}) in $$the sympathetic division, given that each preganglionic neuron can synapse with multiple postganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

$$N_{post} \u003e N_{pre}$$

Question 9

Which of the following is a key difference between somatic and autonomic motor pathways?

Accepted Answer

Somatic pathways directly innervate skeletal muscle; autonomic pathways use a two-neuron chain to reach visceral effectors

Question 10

A patient presents with excessive sweating and rapid heartbeat after a stressful event. Which neurotransmitter is most likely elevated at the target effectors?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the anatomical location of sympathetic chain ganglia?

Accepted Answer

On either side of the vertebral column

Question 12

If a drug blocks the release of neurotransmitter from varicosities in autonomic fibers, which physiological process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of heart rate and glandular secretion

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the parasympathetic division is correct?

Accepted Answer

Its preganglionic neurons are located in the brainstem and sacral spinal cord

Question 14

A multi-step scenario: A person is startled by a loud noise, causing their pupils to dilate and heart rate to increase. Which sequence of events best explains this response?

Accepted Answer

Activation of sympathetic preganglionic neurons, synapse in chain ganglia, release of norepinephrine from postganglionic fibers

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the autonomic nervous system can produce rapid and widespread effects throughout the body?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neurons synapse with multiple postganglionic neurons, allowing for amplification of the signal

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of referred pain?

Accepted Answer

Pain from a heart attack felt in the left arm

Question 17

Which formula best represents the pathway of a somatic motor neuron to its effector?

Accepted Answer

$$Neuron_{CNS} \rightarrow Skeletal\ Muscle$$

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely result from damage to the lateral horn of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Impaired sympathetic responses such as reduced heart rate and blood pressure regulation

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of chain ganglia in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

They serve as relay stations for preganglionic neurons to synapse with postganglionic neurons

Question 20

A patient with damage to their autonomic ganglia would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure and Function (Anatomy & Physiology 2E, Chapter 15)

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