Question 1

Which of the following best describes a key difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

The autonomic nervous system can stimulate or inhibit its effectors, while the somatic nervous system only stimulates its effectors.

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 all preganglionic fibers in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

During vigorous exercise, which of the following physiological changes is most likely to occur due to sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of bronchioles and increased blood flow to skeletal muscles

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the anatomical organization of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions is correct?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic ganglia are located close to the spinal cord, while parasympathetic ganglia are located in or near the target organs.

Question 6

A drug that blocks parasympathetic responses would most likely cause which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and urinary retention

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division releases norepinephrine and epinephrine into the bloodstream, and these are inactivated more slowly than acetylcholine.

Question 8

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between blood pressure ($$BP$$), cardiac output ($$CO$$), and total peripheral resistance ($$TPR) as $$regulated by the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

$$BP = CO 	imes TPR$$

Question 9

A patient with a spinal cord injury loses voluntary control of urination but still experiences reflexive bladder emptying. Which part of the nervous system is responsible for this reflex?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic nervous system (spinal cord reflexes)

Question 10

Which of the following is a unique role of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of sweat glands and arrector pili muscles

Question 11

A patient is prescribed an adrenergic receptor-blocking drug to treat hypertension. What is the physiological rationale for this treatment?

Accepted Answer

It blocks the effects of norepinephrine on blood vessels, reducing vasoconstriction and lowering blood pressure.

Question 12

Which brain region is considered the main integrative center for autonomic nervous system activity?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'dual innervation' in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Visceral organs are innervated by both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers, usually producing opposite effects.

Question 14

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the cooperative effects of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic fibers cause erection of the penis, while sympathetic fibers cause ejaculation.

Question 15

Which of the following is a direct effect of increased sympathetic vasomotor tone during a stressful situation?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of blood vessels in the skin, minimizing blood loss if injury occurs

Question 16

A person is relaxing and reading a book after a meal. Which of the following physiological responses is most likely occurring due to parasympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Constricted pupils and increased digestive activity

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why it takes time to 'come down' after a traumatic event?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine and epinephrine released by the adrenal medulla have prolonged effects and are inactivated more slowly than acetylcholine.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the medullary centers in the brainstem with respect to autonomic nervous system control?

Accepted Answer

Direct control of heart rate, blood vessel diameter, and gastrointestinal activity

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic activation on metabolic rate and energy availability?

Accepted Answer

Increases metabolic rate, blood glucose, and mobilizes fats for fuel

Question 20

A patient with a tumor in the hypothalamus is experiencing abnormal fluctuations in body temperature, water balance, and blood pressure. Which of the following best explains these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is the main integrative center for autonomic nervous system functions, including regulation of temperature, water balance, and blood pressure.

Homeostasis and the Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Divisions

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard