Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Routine, unconscious regulation of visceral organ systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive functions

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by most postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division at the neuroeffector junction?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 4

Which of the following is a major effect of sympathetic stimulation on the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of cutaneous blood vessels and increased blood flow to skeletal muscles

Question 5

Which anatomical feature distinguishes the sympathetic division from the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Preganglionic neurons originate in the lateral gray horns of spinal segments T1–L2

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of the enteric nervous system (ENS)?

Accepted Answer

It initiates and coordinates many visceral reflexes in the digestive tract independently of the CNS

Question 7

A drug that blocks muscarinic receptors would most likely interfere with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic stimulation of digestive glands

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

CN X (Vagus)

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the divergence of preganglionic fibers in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

There is extensive divergence, allowing a single preganglionic neuron to influence many postganglionic neurons

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why parasympathetic effects are usually brief and localized?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine is rapidly broken down by acetylcholinesterase at the synapse

Question 11

A patient is given a drug that stimulates beta receptors. Which of the following effects would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and bronchodilation

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the collateral ganglia in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of visceral organs in the abdominopelvic cavity

Question 13

Which of the following best describes dual innervation?

Accepted Answer

Most vital organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, often with opposing effects

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neurotransmitter and receptor in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine and muscarinic receptor

Question 15

Which of the following is a major effect of parasympathetic stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Increased smooth muscle activity in the digestive system

Question 16

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the level of T1–L2 would most likely have impaired function in which division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the location of ganglia in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

They are located near or within the target organs

Question 18

Which of the following best describes a short visceral reflex?

Accepted Answer

It bypasses the CNS, with sensory input going directly to ganglionic neurons

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the neurotransmitters released by the adrenal medulla?

Accepted Answer

It releases both epinephrine and norepinephrine, with epinephrine being the majority

Question 20

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of the somatic nervous system compared to the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Its afferent pathways originate in skeletal muscles

Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Divisions

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