MCQ Chapter 15: The Autonomic Nervous System

Question 1

Which cranial nerve synapses in the otic ganglion?

facial (VII)
glossopharyngeal (IX)
oculomotor (III)
vagus (X)

Answer 1

glossopharyngeal (IX)

Question 2

Norepinephrine is released from neurons by which process?

diffusion
endocytosis
exocytosis
osmosis

Answer 2

exocytosis

Question 3

Which axons are not considered cholinergic?

sympathetic preganglionic

parasympathetic postganglionic

sympathetic post ganglionic to heart

parasympathetic preganglionic

Answer 3

sympathetic post ganglionic to heart

Question 4

This nervous system division controls voluntary activities such as the activation of skeletal muscles.

central nervous system
autonomic nervous system
posterior nervous system
somatic nervous system

Answer 4

somatic nervous system

Question 5

Vomiting centers, swallowing, and salivation are influenced by the

limbic system
pineal gland
pituitary gland
hypothalamus

Answer 5

hypothalamus

Question 6

A collection of cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system is a

nerve
nucleus
ganglion
tract

Answer 6

ganglion

Question 7

The subdivision that releases only acetylcholine from motor neurons is the

central nervous system
autonomic nervous system
peripheral nervous system
somatic nervous system

Answer 7

somatic nervous system

Question 8

The second neuron in the autonomic motor pathway is the

preganglionic neuron
autonomic ganglion
postganglionic neuron
postsynaptic neuron

Answer 8

postganglionic neuron

Question 9

During emotional stress, which system dominates?

enteric nervous system
parasympathetic nervous system
sympathetic nervous system
somatic nervous system

Answer 9

sympathetic nervous system

Question 10

The information that is processed by the central nervous system is also said to have been

automated
elicited
integrated
activated

Answer 10

Integrated

Question 11

Nerves that directly innervate voluntary muscles are part of the

central nervous system
somatic nervous system
autonomic nervous system
enteric nervous system

Answer 11

somatic nervous system

Question 12

Many cardiac arrhythmias are due to improper regulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Which of the following could be a cause of cardiac arrhythmia that arises from the ANS?

inability of the accessory (XI) nerve to transmit stretching sensations from the ventricles
larger-than-normal gap junctions between cardiac muscle cells
failure of the vagus (X) nerve to signal slowing of the heart rate
release of neurotransmitters from somatic motor neurons stimulating the heart

Answer 12

failure of the vagus (X) nerve to signal slowing of the heart rate

Question 13

A motor neuron that stimulates the hamstring muscle group is which type of neuron?

peripheral neuron
central neuron
interneuron
basal nucleus

Answer 13

peripheral neuron

Question 14

Which muscle(s) is/are autorhythmic?

smooth
cardiac
skeletal
cardiac and smooth

Answer 14

cardiac and smooth

Question 15

Which of the following muscle types is subject to the greatest amount of extensibility?

cardiac and skeletal
cardiac
skeletal
smooth

Answer 15

smooth

Question 16

Muscle cells of the _______________ are associated with somatic motor neurons.

small intestine
diaphragm
heart and small intestine
diaphragm and heart
heart

Answer 16

diaphragm

Question 17

Muscle cells are innervated by autonomic motor neurons in

smooth muscle
cardiac muscle
smooth and cardiac muscle
skeletal muscle

Answer 17

smooth and cardiac muscle

Question 18

Which of the following muscle types is responsible for controlling blood pressure?

skeletal
smooth
cardiac and skeletal
cardiac

Answer 18

Which of the following muscle types is responsible for controlling blood pressure?

skeletal
smooth
cardiac and skeletal
cardiac

Question 19

1) Interoceptors can detect what sensation? Select all that apply.
a) blood gas levels
b) stretch of organ walls
c) grilled steak aroma
d) taste of chocolate
e) pain

Answer 19

A. B. E

Question 20

2) Autonomic motor neurons regulate visceral activities by
1. increasing activities in effector tissue.
2. decreasing activities in effector tissue.
3. allowing bidirectional conduction across synapses.
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 1 and 2
e) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 20

D

Question 21

3) The autonomic nervous system is involved in controlling what effectors? Select all that apply.
a) exocrine glands.
b) skeletal muscle.
c) cardiac muscle.
d) smooth muscle.
e) endocrine glands.

Answer 21

A. C. D. E

Question 22

4) Which statements describe a preganglionic neuron? Select all that apply
a) Has axons that exit the CNS in a cranial or spinal nerve. b) Has mostly 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.
f) Has unmyelinated axons
g) Releases acetylcholine
h) pathway will lead to skeletal muscle

Answer 22

A. B. C. D. G

Question 23

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 23

A

Question 24

6) Which neurons would normally have the shortest axons? Select all that apply
a) Somatic motor neurons
b) Preganglionic parasympathetic neurons
c) Postganglionic sympathetic neurons
d) Preganglionic sympathetic neurons
e) Postganglionic parasympathetic neurons

Answer 24

Answer 1: d Answer 2: e

Question 25

7) Which of the following describes the sympathetic division of the ANS? Select all that apply.
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) Craniosacral output
f) Always releases acetylcholine
g) Releases hormones
h) Increases digestive glands

Answer 25

A nswer 1: b Answer 2: c Answer 3: d Answer 4: g

Question 26

8) Which of the following describes the parasympathetic division of the ANS? Select all that apply.
a) Short 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
f) Only releases acetylcholine
g) Four cranial nerves involved
h) Releases norepinephrine to effectors

Answer 26

Answer 1: c Answer 2: d Answer 3: e Answer 4: f Answer 5: g

Question 27

9) Which structure is dually innervated?
a) radial iris muscle
b) spleen
c) adipose tissue
d) most blood vessels
e) stomach

Answer 27

E

Question 28

10) Place the events in order of sympathetic motor pathway. 1. postganglionic neuron depolarizes
2. acetylcholine binds to sweat gland’s muscarinic receptor 3. postganglionic neuron releases acetylcholine
4. neuron exits lumbar segment of spinal cord 5. acetylcholine binds to nicotinic receptor
6. neuron releases acetylcholine
a) 2, 3, 1, 4, 6, 5
b) 4, 6, 5, 1, 3, 2
c) 6, 4, 5, 3, 2, 1
d) 4, 5, 6, 1, 3, 2
e) 5, 3, 4, 1, 2, 6

Answer 28

B

Question 29

11) Which parasympathetic terminal ganglion is associated with the parotid salivary gland?
a) Ciliary ganglion
b) Pterygopalatine ganglion
c) Submandibular ganglion
d) Otic ganglion
e) both otic and submandibular

Answer 29

D

Question 30

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 30

D

Question 31

13) Which autonomic plexuses serve the large intestine? Select all that apply.
a) Inferior mesenteric plexus
b) Renal plexus
c) Celiac plexus
d) Hypogastric plexus
e) Superior mesenteric plexus
f) Pulmonary plexus
g) Cardiac plexus

Answer 31

A. E.

Question 32

14) The ______contains sympathetic preganglionic axons and connects the anterior ramus of the spinal nerve with the sympathetic trunk ganglia.
a) autonomic plexus
b) Greater splanchnic nerve
c) meningeal branch
d) White rami communicanes
e) Gray rami communicanes

Answer 32

D

Question 33

16) The two main neurotransmitters of the autonomic nervous system are
a) noradrenaline and adrenaline.
b) adrenaline and acetylcholine.
c) norepinephrine and dopamine.
d) norepinephrine and acetylcholine.
e) acetylcholine and dopamine.

Answer 33

D

Question 34

17) Acetylcholine is always 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 34

D

Question 35

18) Cholinergic receptors include
a) nicotinic and adrenergic receptors
b) muscarinic, alpha, and beta receptors
c) adrenergic and nicotinic receptors
d) nicotinic and muscarinic receptors
e) alpha, beta, and nicotinic receptors

Answer 35

D

Question 36

19) Autonomic tone is regulated by the
a) medulla oblongata.
b) cerebellum.
c) cerebrum.
d) vermis.
e) hypothalamus.

Answer 36

e) hypothalamus

Question 37

20) Jennifer is at a stoplight and begins to accelerate into traffic when the light turns green. She stops suddenly as a truck runs the red light and is only a few inches away from her front bumper. Which effect would you NOT expect to see in Jennifer’s body?
a) Increased heart rate
b) Airway dilation
c) Increased pupil diameter
d) Increased secretion of digestive juices
e) Increased secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine

Answer 37

D

Question 38

21) Which contributes to the longer lasting and more widespread effects observed with sympathetic activation versus parasympathetic activation? Select all that apply
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.
e) The hypothalamus only increases one system’s tone at a time.
f) All parts of the hypothalamus affect the sympathetic system, while only the anterior and medial parts control the parasympathetic.

Answer 38

Answer 1: a Answer 2: b Answer 3: c

Question 39

25) Neurons leaving the superior cervical ganglion primarily serve what regions? Select all that apply
a) Abdominal
b) Pelvic
c) Heart
d) Head
e) Lungs

Answer 39

Answer 1: c Answer 2: d

Question 40

26) Which sympathetic ganglion supplies the stomach with postganglionic neurons?
a) Renal ganglion
b) Superior cervical ganglion
c) Celiac ganglion
d) Inferior mesenteric ganglion e) Ciliary ganglion

Answer 40

C

Question 41

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 41

A

Question 42

28) The heart receives autonomic nervous input from which structures? Select all that apply.
a) superior cervical ganglia
b) middle cervical ganglia
c) inferior cervical ganglia
d) celiac ganglia
e) aorticorneal ganglia
f) otic ganglia
g) vagus pathway

Answer 42

Answer 1: a Answer 2: b Answer 3: c Answer 4:g

Question 43

29) Which cranial nerves contain preganglionic neurons for the parasympathetic motor pathway to the salivary glands? Select all that apply.
a) Oculomotor (III) nerve
b) Facial (VII) nerve
c) Glossopharyngeal (IX) nerve d) Vagus (X) nerve

Answer 43

B C

Question 44

30) Postganglionic neurons from the otic ganglion supply the ____, and release ____.
a) parotid gland; acetylcholine b) parotid gland; norepinephrine
c) sublingual gland; acetylcholine.
d) sublingual gland; norepinephrine.
e) submandibular gland; acetylcholine
f) submandibular gland; norepinephrine.

Answer 44

A

Question 45

31) Which of the following structures provides innervation for the external genitals? Select all that apply.
a) Oculomotor (III) nerve
b) Facial (VII) nerve
c) Glossopharyngeal (IX) nerve d) Vagus (X) nerve
e) Pelvic splanchnic nerve
f) Hypogastric plexus
g) Greater splanchnic nerve

Answer 45

E. F.

Question 46

32) Parasympathetic innervation of the liver occurs through
a) oculomotor (III) nerve
b) facial (VII) nerve
c) glossopharyngeal (IX) nerve d) vagus (X) nerve
e) pelvic splanchnic nerve.

Answer 46

D

Question 47

33) The sympathetic system supplies the heart and lungs when preganglionic neurons synapse with postganglionic neurons between ____.
a) T1-T4 trunk ganglion
b) T5-T9 trunk ganglion
c) T10-T11 trunk ganglion
d) three cervical ganglion
e) L1-L4 ganglion

Answer 47

A

Question 48

45) In a sympathetic division motor pathway, which neurotransmitter is released at the kidney?
a) Norepinephrine
b) Acetylcholine
c) Epinephrine
d) Dopamine
e) Serotonin

Answer 48

A

Question 49

46) Which neurotransmitter is released at the autonomic ganglion by the preganglionic neuron?
a) Norepinephrine
b) Acetylcholine
c) Epinephrine
d) Dopamine
e) Serotonin

Answer 49

B

Question 50

47) Which neurotransmitter is released at the adrenal gland by the preganglionic neuron in the sympathetic pathway?
a) Norepinephrine
b) Acetylcholine
c) Epinephrine
d) Dopamine
e) Serotonin

Answer 50

B

Question 51

48) In a parasympathetic division motor pathway, which neurotransmitter is released at the effector?
a) Norepinephrine
b) Acetylcholine
c) Epinephrine
d) Dopamine
e) Serotonin

Answer 51

B

Question 52

51) Splanchnic nerves are primarily
a) sympathetic pregagnlionic fibers
b) parasympathetic pregagnlionic fibers
c) sympathetic postgagnlionic fibers
d) parasympathetic postgagnlionic fibers

Answer 52

A

Question 53

52) Which ganglia are associated with thoracolumbar outflow? Select all that apply. a) paravertebral ganglia
b) prevertebral ganglia
c) intramural ganglia
d) terminal ganglia
e) postvertebral ganglia

Answer 53

A. B.

Question 54

54) Cholinergic neurons release ___ and adrenergic neurons release___.
a) ACh; NE
b) ACh; ACh
c) NE; ACh
d) NE; NE
e) Epinephrine; ACh

Answer 54

A

Question 55

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 55

D

Question 56

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 56

E

Question 57

66) Thoracolumbar is another name for which division of ANS?
a) Parasympathetic nervous system
b) Sympathetic nervous system
c) Somatic nervous system
d) Peripheral nervous system
e) Central nervous system

Answer 57

B

Question 58

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 58

E

Question 59

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 59

B

Question 60

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 60

D

Question 61

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 61

A

Question 62

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

Answer 62

A

Question 63

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 63

D

Question 64

76) In order for sympathetic preganglionic axons to reach prevertebral (collateral) ganglia, they must travel through
a) White rami communicantes
b) Gray rami communicantes
c) Splanchnic nerve
d) Terminal ganglia
e) Cephalic periarterial nerves

Answer 64

C

Question 65

77) Which neuron is most likely to be adrenergic?
a) Sympathetic preganglionic
b) Sympathetic postganglionic
c) Parasympathetic preganglionic
d) Parasympathetic postganglionic
e) Both Sympathetic and parasympathetic preganglionic

Answer 65

B

Question 66

79) Beta blockers are used to
a) prevent a rise in heart rate. b) prevent a drop in heart rate. c) dilate pupils.
d) prevent sweating .
e) decrease dry eye syndrome.

Answer 66

A

Question 67

80. The two divisions of the autonomic nervous system have antagonistic effects on all of the following effector structures EXCEPT
    a) iris muscles
    b) gastrointestinal tract
    c) bronchioles
    d) blood vessels in skeletal muscles
    e) liver

Answer 67

D

Question 68

81) If a doctor administers atropine IV, a muscarinic antagonist, followed by a high dose of ACh, you still see an increase in heart rate. Where is the ACh acting?
a) Nicotinic receptors of the postganglionic sympathetic neuron causing NE release to the heart, increasing heartrate.
b) Nicotinic receptors of the postganglionic parasympathetic neuron causing ACh release to the heart, increasing heartrate
c) Nicotinic receptors of the postganglionic parasympathetic neuron preventing ACh release to the heart, increasing heartrate
d) Muscarinic receptors of the postganglionic sympathetic neuron causing NE release to the heart, increasing heartrate.

Answer 68

A

Question 69

82) You are just about to perform a clinical procedure for the first time and your palms begin to sweat. This is due to
a) increased sympathetic stimulation of sweat glands possessing alpha 1 receptors.
b) increased sympathetic stimulation of sweat glands possessing beta 2 receptors.
c) increased parasympathetic stimulation of sweat glands possessing nicotinic receptors. d) increased parasympathetic stimulation of sweat glands possessing muscarinic receptors.
e) increased sympathetic stimulation of sweat glands possessing muscarinic receptors.

Answer 69

A

Question 70

85) Which statements about receptors and the neurotransmitters are true?
1. Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors respond to NE
2. Adrenergic receptors respond to ACh
3. ACh binding to nicotinic receptors is excitatory
4. Adrenergic receptors are located on postganglionic neuron cell bodies
5. NE can cause an excitatory or inhibitory effect on effectors
6. Nicotine can mimic ACh
a) 1, 3, 4, 6
b) 1, 3, 5, 6
c) 3, 5, 6
d) 2, 4, 5
e) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Answer 70

C

Question 71

23)What statements support that this diagram represents a somatic motor pathway and not an autonomic motor pathway? Select all that apply.

a) neuron cell body is in anterior root
b) there is one motor neuron in the pathway c) because the motor neuron is myelinated d) because the effector is a skeletal muscle e) the neuron exits the anterior root

Answer 71

B
D

Question 72

24) _____ is the neurotransmitter used by the pathway shown in the diagram and it causes ____.

a) Norepinephrine; depolarization
b) Acetylcholine; depolarization
c) Epinephrine; depolarization
d) Norepinephrine; hyperpolarization e) Acetylcholine; hyperpolarization

Answer 72

B

Question 73

34) A doctor makes an injection of medication to relieve upper abdominal pain due to chronic pancreatitis. What area in the diagram is the nerve block targeting?
a) B
b) C
c) D
d) M
e) F

Answer 73

B

Question 74

35) Stimulation of the fibers associated with which plexus in the diagram can dramatically alter the pace and force of heart contraction?
a)A
b) B
c) H
d) I
e) J

Answer 74

d

Question 75

36) In Hirschsprung’s disease, the baby is missing nerve cells that would innervate the large intestine. In the diagram, failure to innervate from which plexus would be the main cause of the disease?
SELECT ALL THAT APPLY
a) K
b) L
c) M
d) F
e) N

Answer 75

B
C

Question 76

37) Postganglionic neurons in lumbar splanchnic nerves will extend to which plexuses in the diagram? Select all that apply.
a) J
b) K
c) D
d) F
e) N
f) M
g) G

Answer 76

E & F

Question 77

44) What statements correctly describe the autonomic pathway shown in the diagram? Select all that apply

a) There are two neurons in the motor pathway
b) The neuron’s cell body is located in the anterior gray horn
c) The neuron’s cell body is located in the lateral gray horn d) The two neurons synapse at a ganglion
e) The effectors are involuntary
f) The effectors are voluntary
g) Both ACh and NE are released
h) ACh is released at the effector

Answer 77

A & C & D & E & G

Question 78

49) What statements support that this diagrams represents only one specific division of the autonomic nervous system? Select all that apply.
a) Only sympathetic division has two motor neurons in the pathway.
b) Parasympathetic division only releases ACh and sympathetic releases ACh and NE
c) Parasympathetic has a long preganglionic neuron and sympathetic has a short preganglionic neuron.
d) Effectors in both divisions are involuntary.
e) The preganglionic neuron axon in both exits the anterior root.
f) Parasympathetic has a short preganglionic neuron and sympathethic has a long preganglionic neuron.
g) Both divisions always release ACh at the autonomic ganglia and the effectors.

Answer 78

Answer 1: b
Answer 2: c

Question 79

50) Which structure carries 80% of the parasympathetic outflow??
a)A
b) C
c) D
d) F
e) G

Answer 79

A

Question 80

58) Which plexus shown in the diagram supplies the bronchial tree?
a) A
b) B
c) C
d) D
e) F

Answer 80

B

Question 81

59) Identify the structure labeled 2 in the diagram.
a) somatic motor neuron
b) parasympathetic preganglionic neuron
c) parasympathetic postganglionic neuron
d) sympathetic preganglionic neuron
e) sympathetic postganglionic neuron

Answer 81

B

Question 82

60) Identify the structure labeled 3 in the diagram.
a) somatic motor neuron.
b) parasympathetic preganglionic neuron.
c) parasympathetic postganglionic neuron.
d) sympathetic preganglionic neuron.
e) sympathetic postganglionic neuron

Answer 82

C

Question 83

61) Where do the structures labeled 1 and 3 in the diagram meet?
a) paravertebral ganglia
b) prevertebral ganglia
c) terminal ganglia
d) trunk ganglia
e) chain ganglia

Answer 83

C