Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference in motor neuron pathways between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

Somatic motor pathways consist of a single, myelinated neuron extending from the CNS to the effector, while autonomic motor pathways typically consist of two neurons: a preganglionic and a postganglionic neuron.

Question 2

A patient with a spinal cord injury at or above T6 is at risk for autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the following best explains the physiological basis for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Exaggerated sympathetic response due to disrupted descending inhibitory signals, resulting in uncontrolled vasoconstriction and hypertension.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

During a stressful situation, which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily activated, and what is its main effect on metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division; increases alertness and metabolism to prepare for emergency.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the location of cell bodies for sympathetic preganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Lateral horns of the gray matter in the 12 thoracic and first 2 or 3 lumbar segments of the spinal cord.

Question 6

A patient presents with numbness and ischemia in the fingers, especially in response to cold. Which autonomic disorder is most likely responsible, and what is the underlying mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Raynaud phenomenon; excessive sympathetic stimulation causing vasoconstriction of arterioles in the digits.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Cholinergic neurons release acetylcholine, and adrenergic neurons release norepinephrine.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Integrating center → Motor neuron → Effector

Question 9

Which of the following best describes autonomic tone?

Accepted Answer

The balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity, regulated by the hypothalamus.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic postganglionic neurons releasing acetylcholine.

Question 11

Which of the following plexuses is NOT found in the abdomen or pelvis?

Accepted Answer

Brachial plexus

Question 12

If a sympathetic preganglionic neuron passes through both the sympathetic trunk ganglion and a prevertebral ganglion without synapsing, where does it ultimately synapse?

Accepted Answer

With postganglionic neurons in the adrenal medullae.

Question 13

Which cranial nerves carry parasympathetic outflow from the brainstem?

Accepted Answer

III, VII, IX, and X

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding the sympathetic trunk ganglia?

Accepted Answer

They are located anterior and lateral to the vertebral column.

Question 15

A patient is given a drug that stimulates nicotinic receptors. Which of the following effects is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Increased activity of skeletal muscle due to stimulation of somatic motor neurons.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the sympathetic division is called the 'fight-or-flight' division?

Accepted Answer

It stimulates increased alertness and metabolism to prepare the body for emergencies.

Question 17

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the number of sympathetic trunk ganglia and spinal segments?

Accepted Answer

Total ganglia $$= 	ext{cervical} + 	ext{thoracic} + 	ext{lumbar} + 	ext{sacral} + 	ext{coccygeal}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the effect of increased sympathetic input on autonomic tone?

Accepted Answer

Increased sympathetic input leads to decreased parasympathetic input.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic division on vascular smooth muscle?

Accepted Answer

It causes vasoconstriction in arterioles, especially in the digits.

The Autonomic Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Regulation

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