Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the somatic motor system and the autonomic (visceral motor) system?

Accepted Answer

The somatic motor system uses a single motor neuron to reach skeletal muscle, while the autonomic system uses a two-neuron chain to reach smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or glands.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity after a car accident. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for these responses?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

It is active during 'rest and digest' and has localized effects due to short postganglionic axons.

Question 5

A drug that blocks acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction would primarily affect which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscle contraction

Question 6

Which of the following pathways correctly describes the route of a sympathetic preganglionic fiber that innervates the abdominal organs?

Accepted Answer

Ventral root → spinal nerve → white ramus communicans → sympathetic trunk ganglion → splanchnic nerve → collateral ganglion → abdominal organ

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Constricts pupils and stimulates digestive activity

Question 8

Which structure contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons, and how does it differ from sympathetic chain ganglia?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal root ganglia; they contain sensory neuron cell bodies, while sympathetic chain ganglia contain motor neuron cell bodies

Question 9

A patient has a lesion affecting the white rami communicantes. Which of the following would most likely be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of preganglionic sympathetic fibers into the sympathetic trunk ganglia

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic division has a more widespread effect than the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic postganglionic fibers are longer and many ganglia are distributed throughout the body, allowing for divergence.

Question 11

Which cranial nerve carries the majority of parasympathetic outflow to the thoracic and abdominal organs?

Accepted Answer

CN X (Vagus)

Question 12

A patient presents with dry mouth and reduced tear production. Which parasympathetic pathway is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic fibers traveling via CN VII (Facial) to synapse in one of the head ganglia

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding autonomic plexuses?

Accepted Answer

They contain both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the location of prevertebral (collateral) ganglia?

Accepted Answer

Unpaired, located anterior to the vertebral column on the abdominal aorta

Question 15

A patient has a spinal cord injury at the level of T1. Which autonomic functions are most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic control of the head, neck, and upper thorax

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct sequence for a visceral reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → sensory neuron → integration center → motor neuron → effector

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the parasympathetic division does NOT innervate the body wall or limbs?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic outflow is craniosacral and targets only internal organs, not structures of the body wall or limbs.

Question 18

A patient is given a drug that mimics norepinephrine at the effector organ. Which of the following effects would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and dilated pupils

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons at most effector organs?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 20

A multi-step scenario: A person is startled by a loud noise, causing their heart rate to increase and their pupils to dilate. Later, as they calm down, their heart rate decreases and their digestive system becomes more active. Which neurotransmitters and divisions of the autonomic nervous system are primarily responsible for these changes?

Accepted Answer

Initial response: norepinephrine, sympathetic; recovery: acetylcholine, parasympathetic

Autonomics – Visceral Motor System: Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard