Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main anatomical difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

A patient is given a drug that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Which of the following effects would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and decreased digestive activity

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic sympathetic neurons, and what type of receptor does it primarily activate?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine; adrenergic receptors

Question 4

During a 'fight or flight' response, which of the following physiological changes is most likely to occur due to sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

Bronchioles dilate, heart rate increases, and pupils dilate

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

X (Vagus)

Question 6

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the level of T1 would most likely have impaired function in which division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division only

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic division can produce a more widespread and longer-lasting effect than the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream, amplifying sympathetic effects.

Question 8

Which receptor subtype is responsible for mediating the increase in heart rate during sympathetic activation?

Accepted Answer

$$\$$beta_1$$ adrenergic receptor

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of sweat glands

Question 10

A visceral reflex arc differs from a somatic reflex arc in which of the following ways?

Accepted Answer

It uses two consecutive motor neurons in the efferent pathway.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the urinary bladder?

Accepted Answer

Contracts the bladder wall and relaxes the urethral sphincter, promoting voiding

Question 12

Which of the following statements about cholinergic and adrenergic receptors is correct?

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic receptors are activated by norepinephrine and are found on most sympathetic target organs.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why blood vessels are primarily under sympathetic control?

Accepted Answer

Most blood vessels receive only sympathetic innervation, allowing the sympathetic system to regulate blood pressure.

Question 14

A drug that selectively stimulates $$\$$beta_2$$ adrenergic receptors would most likely cause which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Bronchodilation and relaxation of uterine smooth muscle

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the neurotransmitters released by the preganglionic neurons of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Both release acetylcholine.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the liver?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates the release of glucose into the blood

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Integration center → Motor neuron → Effector

Question 18

Which of the following best explains the concept of 'dynamic antagonism' between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Both divisions are partially active and their opposing actions allow precise control of visceral activity.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic division but NOT the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of pupils

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Control

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