Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It regulates involuntary functions by innervating smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and dry mouth after a car accident. Which division of the ANS is primarily responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth and increased heart rate

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

A patient with Raynaud's disease experiences painful, pale, and cyanotic fingers in response to cold. Which mechanism best explains this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Exaggerated sympathetic vasoconstriction in peripheral blood vessels

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the neurotransmitters and receptors in the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic receptors respond to norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Constricted pupils and increased digestive activity

Question 9

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 stimulates the adrenal medulla to release norepinephrine and epinephrine into the bloodstream.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a visceral reflex arc, and how does it differ from a somatic reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Bladder emptying reflex; it involves two consecutive motor neurons and visceral effectors.

Question 11

A patient with a spinal cord injury above T6 develops sudden, severe hypertension due to uncontrolled activation of autonomic neurons. What is this condition called?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic dysreflexia

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

It acts as the main integrative center for ANS activity, regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Question 13

Which of the following organs receives ONLY sympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

Sweat glands

Question 14

A patient is given a beta-blocker, which inhibits $$ \$$beta_1$$ $$ adrenergic receptors. What is the expected effect on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate

Question 15

Which of the following best explains the concept of 'sympathetic tone'?

Accepted Answer

It is the continual partial constriction of blood vessels by sympathetic fibers, helping to maintain blood pressure.

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios demonstrates the cooperative interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division stimulates erection, while sympathetic division stimulates ejaculation in males.

Question 17

A patient is exposed to a drug that mimics acetylcholine at nicotinic receptors. Which of the following effects is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of all postganglionic neurons in both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

A two-neuron chain consisting of a preganglionic neuron and a postganglionic neuron.

Question 19

Which of the following is a unique function of the sympathetic division that is NOT shared with the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Thermoregulatory responses to heat, such as activating sweat glands

Question 20

A person is able to consciously lower their heart rate using biofeedback techniques. Which level of ANS control does this demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Cortical influence via connections to the hypothalamus and limbic system

The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Comparison with the Somatic Nervous System

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