Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in terms of their effectors?

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system innervates skeletal muscle, while the ANS innervates cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands.

Question 2

A patient is prescribed a drug that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Which of the following side effects is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth due to decreased parasympathetic stimulation of salivary glands.

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic neurons of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 4

A person is startled by a loud noise. Which of the following physiological changes is most likely mediated by the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of bronchioles

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic fibers originate from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord.

Question 6

Which receptor type is found on all postganglionic neurons of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions and always produces an excitatory response?

Accepted Answer

Nicotinic receptor

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Exaggerated sympathetic-induced vasoconstriction

Question 8

Which of the following is a unique function of the sympathetic division of the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Release of renin from the kidneys

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the effect of norepinephrine binding to beta-2 ($$\$$beta_2$$) adrenergic receptors in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Relaxation of bronchioles (bronchodilation)

Question 10

Which of the following is true regarding the control of the autonomic nervous system by the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is the main integrative center for ANS activity.

Question 11

A patient with a spinal cord injury above T6 develops autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the following is the most dangerous consequence of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled hypertension leading to risk of stroke

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the effect of blocking sympathetic vasomotor fibers with a drug?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure will decrease due to vasodilation.

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding dual innervation of organs by the ANS?

Accepted Answer

Most visceral organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which usually have antagonistic effects.

Question 16

A patient with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) stands up and experiences dizziness and rapid heart rate. Which of the following best explains the underlying mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Exaggerated sympathetic response causing vasodilation and tachycardia

Question 17

Which of the following is a cooperative effect of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic stimulation causes vasodilation for erection, sympathetic causes ejaculation.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the neurotransmitter and receptor interaction at the effector in the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine binds to muscarinic receptors on the effector.

Question 19

Which of the following is a likely effect of aging on the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of orthostatic hypotension due to less responsive cardiovascular centers

Chapter 14: The Autonomic Nervous System – Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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