Chapter 15

Question 1

1) Interoceptors are found in
a) blood vessels
b) visceral organs
c) muscles
d) all of these choices
e) none of these choices

Answer 1

d) all of these choices

Question 2

Autonomic motor neurons regulate visceral activities by

1. increasing activities in effector tissue.
2. decreasing activities in effector tissue.
3. changing the direction of impulse conduction across synapses.

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 3 only
d) Both 1 and 2
e) None of these choices

Answer 2

d) Both 1 and 2

Question 3

The autonomic nervous system is NOT involved in controlling

a) exocrine glands.
b) skeletal muscle.
c) cardiac muscle.
d) smooth muscle.
e) endocrine glands.

Answer 3

b) skeletal muscle.

Question 4

Which of the following descriptions of a preganglionic neuron is NOT correct?

a) Has axons that exit the CNS in a cranial or spinal nerve.
b) Has myelinated axons.
c) Forms the first part of an autonomic motor pathway.
d) Has its cell body in the brain or spinal cord.
e) Forms gap junctions with postganglionic neurons in autonomic ganglia.

Answer 4

e) Forms gap junctions with postganglionic neurons in autonomic ganglia.

Question 5

A postganglionic neuron in the ANS

a) releases neurotransmitter that binds to the effector cell.
b) is the first part of an autonomic motor pathway.
c) has its cell body in the brain or spinal cord.
d) has its axons exiting the CNS through cranial nerves.
e) carries information into the sympathetic chain ganglia.

Answer 5

a) releases neurotransmitter that binds to the effector cell.

Question 6

Which of the following types of neurons would normally have the shortest axon?

a) Somatic motor neurons
b) Preganglionic parasympathetic neurons
c) Postganglionic sympathetic neurons
d) Preganglionic sympathetic neurons
e) Somatosensory neurons.

Answer 6

d) Preganglionic sympathetic neurons

Question 7

Which of the following does NOT describe the sympathetic division of the ANS?

a) Ganglia primarily found in the head
b) Stimulates sweat glands
c) Synapses with smooth muscle in blood vessel walls
d) Short preganglionic neurons
e) Thoracolumbar output

Answer 7

a) Ganglia primarily found in the head

Question 8

Which of the following does NOT describe the parasympathetic division of the ANS?

a) Long preganglionic neurons
b) Synapses with smooth muscle in blood vessels walls
c) Vagus nerve output
d) Ganglia found near visceral effectors
e) Sacral spinal cord output

Answer 8

b) Synapses with smooth muscle in blood vessels walls

Question 9

Which of the following terms is used to designate an effector that is innervated by both the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the ANS?

a) Preganglionic stimulation
b) Biganglion excitation
c) Multi-autonomic output
d) Bipolar innervation
e) Dual innervation

Answer 9

e) Dual innervation

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a sympathetic prevertebral ganglion?

a) Celiac ganglion
b) Ciliary ganglion
c) Superior mesenteric ganglion
d) Inferior mesenteric ganglion
e) All are prevertebral ganglia

Answer 10

b) Ciliary ganglion

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a parasympathetic terminal ganglion?

a) Ciliary ganglion
b) Pterygopalatine ganglion
c) Submandibular ganglion
d) Otic ganglion
e) All are parasympathetic terminal ganglia

Answer 11

e) All are parasympathetic terminal ganglia

Question 12

The largest autonomic plexus is called the

a) superior mesenteric plexus.
b) renal plexus.
c) cardiac plexus.
d) celiac plexus.
e) hypogastric plexus.

Answer 12

d) celiac plexus.

Question 13

Which autonomic plexus is located anterior to the fifth lumbar vertebra and serves the pelvic viscera?

a) Inferior mesenteric plexus
b) Renal plexus
c) Celiac plexus
d) Hypogastric plexus
e) Superior mesenteric plexus

Answer 13

d) Hypogastric plexus

Question 14

Which of the following are structures containing sympathetic preganglionic axons that connect the anterior ramus of the spinal nerve with the ganglia of the sympathetic trunk?

a) Lumbar splanchnic nerve
b) Greater splanchnic nerve
c) Inferior cervical ganglion
d) White rami communicantes
e) Gray rami communicantes

Answer 14

d) White rami communicantes

Question 15

Which ganglia contain the cell bodies of the parasympathetic postganglionic neurons that serve the parotid salivary glands?

a) Ciliary ganglia
b) Pterygopalatine ganglia
c) Submandibular ganglia
d) Otic ganglia
e) None of these choices

Answer 15

d) Otic ganglia

Question 16

The two main neurotransmitters of the autonomic nervous system are

a) nicotine and adrenaline.
b) muscarine and acetylcholine.
c) norepinephrine and muscarine.
d) norepinephrine and acetylcholine.
e) somatostatin and nicotine.

Answer 16

d) norepinephrine and acetylcholine.

Question 17

Acetylcholine is released by _____ postganglionic neurons and is removed from the synaptic cleft at a _____ rate than norepinephrine.

a) sympathetic; slower
b) sympathetic; faster
c) parasympathetic; slower
d) parasympathetic; faster
e) both parasympathetic and sympathetic; slower

Answer 17

d) parasympathetic; faster

Question 18

Which of the following are types of cholinergic receptors?

a) Nicotinic and adrenergic receptors
b) Muscarinic and somatic receptors
c) Adrenergic and somatic receptors
d) Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors
e) Somatostatic and nicotinic receptors

Answer 18

d) Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors

Question 19

Autonomic tone is regulated by the

a) medulla oblongata.
b) cerebellum.
c) cerebrum.
d) vermis.
e) hypothalamus.

Answer 19

e) hypothalamus.

Question 20

Which of the following responses is NOT caused by activation of the parasympathetic division of the ANS?

a) Decreased heart rate
b) Airway dilation
c) Decreased pupil diameter
d) Increased secretion of digestive juices
e) Increased gastric motility

Answer 20

b) Airway dilation

Question 21

Which of the following does NOT contribute to the longer lasting and more widespread effects observed with sympathetic activation versus parasympathetic activation?

a) Norepinephrine is more slowly removed from synapses than ACh.
b) Additional norepinephrine is released from the adrenal gland.
c) Greater divergence occurs in sympathetic neural pathways.
d) Blood flow to the hypothalamus is decreased when sympathetic activation occurs.

Answer 21

d) Blood flow to the hypothalamus is decreased when sympathetic activation occurs.

Question 22

Which of the following responses is NOT caused by activation of the sympathetic division?

a) Increased heart rate
b) Airway constriction
c) Decreased blood flow to kidneys and gastrointestinal tract
d) Increased blood flow to skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, liver and fat
e) Increased blood glucose level

Answer 22

b) Airway constriction

Question 23

What type of nervous system pathway is shown in this figure?

a) Somatic motor pathway
b) Somatic sensory pathway
c) Autonomic motor pathway
d) Autonomic sensory pathway
e) None of these choices

Answer 23

a) Somatic motor pathway

Question 24

What type of neurotransmitter is used by the pathway shown in the figure?

a) Norepinephrine
b) Acetylcholine
c) Epinephrine
d) Dopamine
e) Serotonin

Answer 24

b) Acetylcholine

Question 25

What region does the superior cervical ganglion primarily serve?

a) Abdominal
b) Pelvic
c) Skin
d) Head
e) None of these choices

Answer 25

d) Head

Question 26

Which ganglion supplies the stomach with postganglionic neurons?

a) Middle cervical ganglion
b) Inferior cervical ganglion
c) Celiac ganglion
d) Inferior mesenteric ganglion
e) Ciliary ganglion

Answer 26

c) Celiac ganglion

Question 27

Which nerve supplies the inferior mesenteric ganglion with preganglionic neurons?

a) Lumbar splanchnic nerve
b) Lesser splanchnic nerve
c) Greater splanchnic nerve
d) Cardiac accelerator
e) Phrenic nerve

Answer 27

a) Lumbar splanchnic nerve

Question 28

The superior mesenteric ganglion receives nervous input from the

a) lesser splanchnic nerve.
b) least splanchnic nerve.
c) greater thoracic splanchnic nerve
d) a and b only
e) a, b, and c

Answer 28

d) a and b only

Question 29

Preganglionic neurons are supplied to the submandibular ganglion by which cranial nerve?

a) Oculomotor (III) nerve (cranial nerve III)
b) Facial (VII) nerve (cranial nerve VII)
c) Glossopharyngeal (IX) nerve (cranial nerve IX)
d) Vagus (X) nerve (cranial nerve X)
e) None of these choices

Answer 29

b) Facial (VII) nerve (cranial nerve VII)

Question 30

Postganglionic neurons from the otic ganglion supply the

a) parotid gland.
b) heart.
c) lungs.
d) liver.
e) ureter.

Answer 30

a) parotid gland.

Question 31

Which of the following nerves provides innervation for the external genitals?

a) Oculomotor (III) nerve (cranial nerve III)
b) Facial (VII) nerve (cranial nerve VII)
c) Glossopharyngeal (IX) nerve (cranial nerve IX)
d) Vagus (X) nerve (cranial nerve X)
e) Pelvic splanchnic nerve

Answer 31

e) Pelvic splanchnic nerve

Question 32

Parasympathetic innervation of the liver occurs through

a) oculomotor (III) nerve (cranial nerve III).
b) facial (VII) nerve (cranial nerve VII).
c) glossopharyngeal (IX) nerve (cranial nerve IX).
d) vagus (X) nerve (cranial nerve X).
e) pelvic splanchnic nerve.

Answer 32

d) vagus (X) nerve (cranial nerve X).

Question 33

Where is the right vagus nerve in the figure?

a) A
b) B
c) C
d) H
e) K

Answer 33

a) A

Question 34

Which of the following labeled structures is the right sympathetic trunk ganglion?

a) E
b) B
c) L
d) M
e) N

Answer 34

b) B

Question 35

Where is the cardiac plexus in the figure?

a) A
b) B
c) H
d) I
e) J

Answer 35

d) I

Question 36

Where is the inferior mesenteric ganglion and plexus in the figure?

a) E
b) F
c) G
d) M
e) N

Answer 36

d) M

Question 37

Where is the hypogastric plexus in the figure?

a) J
b) K
c) D
d) F
e) N

Answer 37

e) N

Question 38

Describe the possible ways in which the axon of a sympathetic preganglionic neuron connects with postganglionic neurons after it reaches the sympathetic trunk ganglia.

Answer 38

The axon may 1) synapse with postganglionic neurons in the first ganglion it reaches, 2) ascend or descend to higher or lower ganglia via sympathetic chains, or 3) continue without synapsing through sympathetic trunk ganglia to end at a prevertebral ganglion and synapse with postganglionic neurons there. 4) also pass, without synapsing, through the sympathetic trunk ganglion and a prevertebral ganglion and then extend to chromaffin cells of the adrenal medullae that are functionally similar to sympathetic postganglionic neurons.

Question 39

Explain why the sympathetic division of the ANS has more widespread and longer-lasting effects than the parasympathetic division.

Answer 39

A single sympathetic preganglionic fiber has many axon collaterals (branches) and synapses with 20 or more postganglionic neurons, whereas a parasympathetic preganglionic neurons synapses with only 4 or 5 postganglionic neurons. The sympathetic neurotransmitter, norepinephrine is broken down more slowly than acetylcholine, so postganglionic cells are stimulated longer. The sympathetic division also stimulates release of catecholamines (mostly epinephrine) from the adrenal medulla, thus enhancing the sympathetic effects via the endocrine system. Also, more visceral effectors have receptors for catecholamines (norepinephrine and epinephrine) than for acetylcholine.

Question 40

Describe the potential roles that autonomic neurons that release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine perform in the ANS. Be sure to describe the types of postsynaptic effector cells including their receptors that could be potentially activated by acetylcholine release from autonomic neurons.

Answer 40

The neuron could be a preganglionic neuron in either division of the ANS, a parasympathetic postganglionic neuron, or one of a few sympathetic postganglionic neurons (innervating sweat glands). The postsynaptic cell must possess either nicotinic or muscarinic receptors in order to respond to acetylcholine. This effector cell could be a postganglionic neuron of either division, a parasympathetic visceral effector, or one of the few sympathetic effectors stimulated by cholinergic neurons.

Question 41

A patient with chronic skeletal muscle spasms was placed on an anticholinergic medication. After taking the medication, the patient’s muscle spasms ceased, but now the patient reports a loss of muscle strength. In addition, the patient’s resting heart rate has increased. Explain the effects of the medication the patient received.

Answer 41

Medications that block the action of acetylcholine are described as anticholinergic. Since ACh stimulates skeletal muscles to contract, blocking ACh should help reduce muscle spasms. In high enough doses, the medication might prevent the normal contraction of skeletal muscles and could, perhaps, cause a flaccid paralysis. Heart rate increases because ACh usually slows heart rate so a drug that blocks ACh’s effect would lead to increased heart rate. Perhaps a medication that specifically blocked nicotinic receptors would eliminate the muscle spasms without causing increased heart rate.

Question 42

Explain how blood flow to tissues changes during the fight-or-flight response.

Answer 42

During the fight-or-flight response, vasodilation occurs in those vessels serving the heart and skeletal muscles crucial to fight or flight. In contrast, vasoconstriction occurs in those vessels serving areas less vital to fighting/fleeing like skin, digestive organs, and the urinary system. The changes in blood vessel diameter are induced by activation of the sympathetic division of the ANS.

Question 43

Compare and contrast the overall responses of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Answer 43

The sympathetic division acts to prepare the body for maximal skeletal muscle activity to either fight or flee a perceived threat. Some of the changes stimulated by sympathetic activation include: 1) increased heart rate and contractions, 2) shunting blood away from the digestive organs to the lungs, liver, heart and skeletal muscles allowing these organs to increase function, 3) bronchodilation leads increased O2 delivery to the blood, and 4) liver also releases more glucose. These changes increase blood oxygen and glucose to provide the body cells with the ability to increase ATP production. The parasympathetic system tends to return the body to normality, and to prepare the body to acquire energy. For instance, the parasympathetic division stimulates increased blood flow to digestive, reproductive and urinary organs. More digestion and defecation occurs, sexual activity can be supported, and urine production is increased. Decreased heart rate and blood pressure also occur.

Question 44

What type of nervous system pathway is shown in the figure?

a) Somatic motor pathway
b) Somatic sensory pathway
c) Autonomic motor pathway
d) Autonomic sensory pathway
e) None of these choices

Answer 44

c) Autonomic motor pathway

Question 45

If the pathway shown in the diagram is a sympathetic division pathway, which neurotransmitter acts at the effector?

a) Norepinephrine
b) Acetylcholine
c) Epinephrine
d) Dopamine
e) Serotonin

Answer 45

a) Norepinephrine

Question 46

Which neurotransmitter is released at the autonomic ganglion by the preganglionic neuron in the diagram?

a) Norepinephrine
b) Acetylcholine
c) Epinephrine
d) Dopamine
e) Serotonin

Answer 46

b) Acetylcholine

Question 47

Which neurotransmitter is released at the gland by the preganglionic neuron in the diagram?

a) Norepinephrine
b) Acetylcholine
c) Epinephrine
d) Dopamine
e) Serotonin

Answer 47

b) Acetylcholine

Question 48

If the pathway shown in the diagram is a parasympathetic division pathway, which neurotransmitter acts at the effector?

a) Norepinephrine
b) Acetylcholine
c) Epinephrine
d) Dopamine
e) Serotonin

Answer 48

b) Acetylcholine

Question 49

Which neurotransmitter is released by the preganglionic neuron at the autonomic ganglion in the diagram?

a) Norepinephrine
b) Acetylcholine
c) Epinephrine
d) Dopamine
e) Serotonin

Answer 49

b) Acetylcholine

Question 50

Where is the left vagus (X) nerve in the diagram?

a) A
b) C
c) D
d) F
e) G

Answer 50

a) A

Question 51

Where is the pulmonary plexus in the diagram?

a) A
b) E
c) D
d) B
e) G

Answer 51

d) B

Question 52

Where is the esophageal plexus in the diagram?

a) A
b) B
c) D
d) C
e) G

Answer 52

d) C

Question 53

Where is the celiac ganglion and plexus in the diagram?

a) A
b) B
c) D
d) C
e) G

Answer 53

c) D

Question 54

Where is the renal ganglion and renal plexus in the diagram?

a) A
b) B
c) D
d) E
e) G

Answer 54

d) E

Question 55

Where is the aorticorenal ganglion in the diagram?

a) C
b) D
c) E
d) F
e) G

Answer 55

d) F

Question 56

Where is the greater splanchnic nerve in the diagram?

a) A
b) B
c) C
d) E
e) G

Answer 56

e) G

Question 57

Which plexus or nerve shown in the diagram supplies the renal arteries?

a) B
b) C
c) D
d) E
e) F

Answer 57

d) E

Question 58

Which plexus or nerve shown in the diagram supplies the bronchial tree?

a) A
b) C
c) F
d) B
e) E

Answer 58

d) B

Question 59

The structure labeled 2 in the diagram is a

a) somatic motor neuron.
b) parasympathetic preganglionic neuron.
c) parasympathetic postganglionic neuron.
d) sympathetic preganglionic neuron.
e) somatosensory neuron.

Answer 59

b) parasympathetic preganglionic neuron.

Question 60

The structure labeled 3 in the diagram is a

a) somatic motor neuron.
b) parasympathetic preganglionic neuron.
c) parasympathetic postganglionic neuron.
d) sympathetic preganglionic neuron.
e) somatosensory neuron.

Answer 60

c) parasympathetic postganglionic neuron.

Question 61

The structure labeled 1 in the diagram is the

a) femoral nerve.
b) sciatic nerve.
c) pelvic splanchnic nerve.
d) pudendal nerve.
e) genitofemoral nerve.

Answer 61

c) pelvic splanchnic nerve.

Question 62

Which disorder is characterized by an exaggerated response of the sympathetic division of the ANS that occurs in most individuals with spinal cord injury at or above T6?

a) Raynaud’s phenomenon
b) Autonomic dysreflexia
c) Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
d) Diabetic neuropathy
e) Horner’s Syndrome

Answer 62

b) Autonomic dysreflexia

Question 63

Which disorder is a type of neuropathy often caused by long term diabetes mellitus?

a) Raynaud’s phenomenon
b) Autonomic dysreflexia
c) Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
d) Diabetic neuropathy
e) Horner’s Syndrome

Answer 63

d) Diabetic neuropathy

Question 64

Which disorder involves the loss of sympathetic innervation to one side of the face due to inherited mutation, injury or disease?

a) Raynaud’s phenomenon
b) Autonomic dysreflexia
c) Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
d) Diabetic neuropathy
e) Horner’s Syndrome

Answer 64

e) Horner’s Syndrome

Question 65

Based on your knowledge of ANS receptors, explain how beta blockers are able to manage conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure)?

Answer 65

Norepinephrine and epinephrine binds to beta adrenergic receptors on heart muscle cells and stimulate an increase in heart rate and force of contraction. Beta blockers are antagonists of norepinephrine and epinephrine meaning that beta blockers can bind and block their effects, leading to a decrease in heart rate and force of contraction and lowering of blood pressure.

Question 66

Thoracolumbar is another name for which division of ANS?

a) Parasympathetic
b) Sympathetic
c) Somatic nervous system
d) Autonomic ganglia
e) Craniosacral division

Answer 66

b) Sympathetic

Question 67

Which division of the ANS innervates the sweat glands and the hair follicles?

a) Parasympathetic
b) Sympathetic
c) Neither division innervates these effectors
d) Both divisions innervate these effectors

Answer 67

b) Sympathetic

Question 68

Which endocrine gland is directly innervated by sympathetic preganglionic axons?

a) Pituitary gland
b) Hypothalamus
c) Pancreas
d) Adrenal gland
e) Thyroid gland

Answer 68

d) Adrenal gland

Question 69

Which of the following types of adrenergic receptors are only found in brown adipose tissue where their activation stimulates heat production?

a) α1-adrenergic
b) α2-adrenergic
c) β1-adrenergic
d) β2-adrenergic
e) β3-adrenergic

Answer 69

e) β3-adrenergic

Question 70

Which of the following types of adrenergic receptors are found on cardiac muscle fibers where their activation stimulates increased force and rate of contraction of the heart?

a) α1-adrenergic
b) α2-adrenergic
c) β1-adrenergic
d) β2-adrenergic
e) β3-adrenergic

Answer 70

c) β1-adrenergic

Question 71

The chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla possess what type of receptor that makes them responsive to the ACh released by preganglionic sympathetic neurons?

a) muscarinic receptors
b) nicotinic receptors
c) β1-adrenergic
d) β2-adrenergic
e) β3-adrenergic

Answer 71

b) nicotinic receptors

Question 72

Which of the following statements describes a common response of an autonomic effector during the “fight-or-flight” response?

a) Gastric motility and secretory activity increases.
b) Blood vessels serving skeletal muscles constrict.
c) Adipose tissues stores away triglycerides for later use.
d) The pupils of the eyes dilate.
e) Blood vessels serving the kidneys and digestive organs dilate.

Answer 72

d) The pupils of the eyes dilate.

Question 73

Which of the following lists the components of an autonomic reflex arc in the proper sequence of activation?

a) receptor – sensory neuron – integrating center – motor neuron – effector
b) receptor – motor neuron – integrating center – sensory neuron – effector
c) effector – sensory neuron – integrating center – motor neuron – receptor
d) integrating center – receptor – sensory neuron – motor neuron – effector
e) receptor – sensory neuron – motor neuron – effector – integrating center

Answer 73

a) receptor – sensory neuron – integrating center – motor neuron – effector

Question 74

One of the main differences between a somatic reflex and autonomic reflex is the type of effectors that are activated. The effectors in somatic reflexes are _____, while the effectors in autonomic reflexes are _____.

a) skeletal muscles; smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands
b) striated muscles; smooth muscle and glands
c) skeletal muscles and glands; smooth muscle and cardiac muscle
d) glands; skeletal muscles, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle
e) skeletal muscles; smooth muscle only

Answer 74

a) skeletal muscles; smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands

Question 75

Which the following regions of the brain serve as the major control and integration center of the ANS?

a) cerebrum
b) cerebellulum
c) thalamus
d) hypothalamus
e) pituitary

Answer 75

d) hypothalamus