Question 1

Which of the following best describes the anatomical organization of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neurons originate in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord; ganglia are located in chains alongside the vertebral column.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity. Which branch of the autonomic nervous system is most active, and what is the primary neurotransmitter released at the target tissue?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic; norepinephrine

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the neuroeffector junction in the autonomic nervous system is correct?

Accepted Answer

Varicosities release neurotransmitter along the length of the axon, allowing widespread effect on target tissue.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the adrenal medulla is considered a modified sympathetic ganglion?

Accepted Answer

It contains chromaffin cells, which are modified postganglionic neurons that secrete epinephrine into the blood.

Question 5

A drug that blocks muscarinic receptors would most likely have which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and decreased digestive activity

Question 6

Which equation correctly represents the synthesis of acetylcholine in autonomic neurons?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Acetyl\ CoA} + \mathrm{Choline} \xrightarrow{\mathrm{Choline\ acetyltransferase}} \mathrm{Acetylcholine} + \mathrm{CoA}$$

Question 7

Which of the following is a key difference between nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels, while muscarinic receptors are G-protein coupled.

Question 8

A patient is given a drug that inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO). What is the expected effect on norepinephrine signaling at the neuroeffector junction?

Accepted Answer

Increased norepinephrine levels due to decreased breakdown

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the concept of antagonistic control in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions produce opposite effects on the same target organ.

Question 10

Which of the following is true regarding the neurotransmitters released by postganglionic neurons in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic postganglionic neurons release acetylcholine onto muscarinic receptors.

Question 11

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the thoracic level is likely to have impaired function of which autonomic division, and what is a possible physiological consequence?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division; reduced ability to increase heart rate during stress

Question 12

Which of the following best explains the role of the hypothalamus in autonomic regulation?

Accepted Answer

It integrates sensory input and coordinates autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral responses to maintain homeostasis.

Question 13

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of dual innervation in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The heart receives both sympathetic and parasympathetic input, allowing for increased or decreased heart rate.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor type and its associated signaling mechanism in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Beta-adrenergic receptor; increases cAMP via Gs protein

Question 15

A patient is administered a beta-blocker. Which of the following physiological effects would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate and decreased force of contraction

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter and receptor type at the synapse between preganglionic and postganglionic neurons in both sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine acting on nicotinic receptors

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the synthesis of norepinephrine in sympathetic neurons?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Tyrosine} \rightarrow \mathrm{DOPA} \rightarrow \mathrm{Dopamine} \rightarrow \mathrm{Norepinephrine}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a likely effect of stimulating alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstriction

Question 19

A patient is exposed to a toxin that selectively destroys postganglionic sympathetic neurons. Which of the following symptoms would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Reduced ability to respond to stress with increased heart rate and blood pressure

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream, affecting many tissues.

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Signaling

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