Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, while the parasympathetic division promotes 'rest and digest' activities.

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

Accepted Answer

X (Vagus)

Question 4

During a stressful situation, which of the following physiological changes is most likely mediated by the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of pupils

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the anatomical organization of the sympathetic division is correct?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic fibers are generally short, and postganglionic fibers are long.

Question 6

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the level of T1-L2 would most likely experience which of the following deficits?

Accepted Answer

Loss of sympathetic control to the abdominal viscera

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 8

Which receptor type is responsible for mediating the effects of norepinephrine on the heart, leading to increased heart rate and contractility?

Accepted Answer

$$\$$beta_1$$ adrenergic receptor

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division releases norepinephrine and epinephrine into the bloodstream via the adrenal medulla.

Question 10

Which of the following is a unique function of the sympathetic division not shared by the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of sweat glands

Question 11

A patient is experiencing difficulty with near vision (accommodation). Which parasympathetic pathway is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Oculomotor nerve to the ciliary ganglion

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the effect of activating $$\$$alpha_1$$ adrenergic receptors in blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstriction

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding visceral reflex arcs compared to somatic reflex arcs?

Accepted Answer

Visceral reflex arcs have two consecutive motor neurons in the efferent pathway.

Question 14

Which of the following organs receives only sympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

Sweat glands

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Bronchoconstriction

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why sympathetic responses are generally more diffuse and longer-lasting than parasympathetic responses?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic stimulation of the adrenal medulla releases hormones into the bloodstream.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine acting on muscarinic receptors

Question 19

Which of the following is a direct effect of sympathetic activation on the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Release of renin

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Contracts the bladder wall and relaxes the urethral sphincter

The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Control

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