Autonomic Nervous System: Interactive Learning Quizzes for Medical Students

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is released by postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Question 2

Which organ receives innervation from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Accepted Answer

Heart

Answer

Lungs

Answer

Liver

Answer

Adrenal glands

Question 3

Which clinical manifestation indicates excessive sympathetic activity?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Miosis

Question 4

How can autonomic dysfunction impact a patient's overall health?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic dysfunction can disrupt vital functions, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions like arrhythmias and hypotension.

Answer

Autonomic disorders are generally not a cause for concern and have minimal impact on individuals' well-being.

Answer

Treatment options for autonomic dysfunction are limited to pediatric patients.

Answer

Autonomic dysfunction does not affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Question 5

Describe the physiological effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic activation on the gastrointestinal system.

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic: Inhibits peristalsis, constricts sphincters; Parasympathetic: Stimulates peristalsis, dilates sphincters

Answer

Sympathetic: Stimulates peristalsis, dilates sphincters; Parasympathetic: Inhibits peristalsis, constricts sphincters

Answer

Both sympathetic and parasympathetic: Stimulate peristalsis, dilate sphincters

Answer

Both sympathetic and parasympathetic: Inhibit peristalsis, constrict sphincters

Question 6

Which of the following techniques provides the most comprehensive assessment of overall autonomic function?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic reflex screen

Answer

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Answer

Tilt table testing

Answer

Pupillometry

Question 7

Which neurotransmitter is released at the post-ganglionic synapses of the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 8

What is the primary function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

To increase heart rate and blood flow to skeletal muscles

Answer

To prepare the body for rest and relaxation

Answer

To conserve energy and reduce blood pressure

Answer

To stimulate digestion and slow heart rate

Question 9

Which of the following is not directly associated with the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral cortex

Answer

Preganglionic neurons

Answer

Postganglionic neurons

Answer

Sympathetic chains

Question 10

What is the major effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Decreases heart rate

Answer

Increases heart rate

Answer

Has no effect on heart rate

Answer

Increases heart rate and force of contraction

Question 11

Which of the following is the typical post-ganglionic fiber type of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Unmyelinated fiber (C-fiber)

Answer

Myelinated fiber (B-fiber)

Answer

Preganglionic fiber

Answer

Multipolar neuron

Question 12

What is a primary function of the vagus nerve in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

To regulate digestion and heart rate

Answer

To control blood pressure and respiration

Answer

To mediate the fight-or-flight response

Answer

To regulate movement of appendages

Question 13

Which hormone is primarily released by the adrenal medulla in response to sympathetic nervous system activation?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Insulin

Answer

Glucagon

Answer

Testosterone

Question 14

Which of the following statements best describes a key difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system generally prepares the body for activity, while parasympathetic nervous system generally prepares the body for rest.

Answer

Sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate, while parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate.

Answer

Sympathetic nervous system releases acetylcholine, while parasympathetic nervous system releases norepinephrine.

Answer

Sympathetic nervous system is primarily myelinated, while parasympathetic nervous system is primarily unmyelinated.

Question 15

Which of the following is not a neurotransmitter involved in mediating autonomic nervous system functions?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Question 16

Which of the following is the primary structural distinction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Location of preganglionic neurons

Answer

Neurotransmitter released at the target organ

Question 17

Which of the following neurotransmitters is the primary neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Noradrenaline

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 18

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response. Which of the following effects is NOT associated with sympathetic nervous system activation?

Accepted Answer

Bronchial dilation

Answer

Increased heart rate

Answer

Pupil dilation

Answer

Vasoconstriction

Question 19

The vagus nerve is a major parasympathetic nerve that innervates numerous organs. Which of the following organs is NOT innervated by the vagus nerve?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal glands

Answer

Heart

Answer

Stomach

Answer

Lungs

Question 20

Which of the following hormones is released by the adrenal medulla in response to sympathetic nervous system activation?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a functional difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division innervates smooth muscle, while parasympathetic division innervates skeletal muscle

Answer

Sympathetic division is generally excitatory, while parasympathetic division is generally inhibitory

Answer

Sympathetic division prepares the body for action, while parasympathetic division promotes rest and digestion

Answer

Sympathetic division uses epinephrine as its primary neurotransmitter, while parasympathetic division uses acetylcholine

Question 22

The autonomic nervous system is controlled by a variety of higher brain centers. Which of the following is NOT a higher brain center involved in autonomic regulation?

Accepted Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Cerebral cortex

Answer

Hypothalamus

Answer

Amygdala

Question 23

In the parasympathetic nervous system, which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for transmitting signals?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 24

Which neurotransmitter is released by both sympathetic and parasympathetic postganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Increasing heart rate

Answer

Stimulating salivation

Answer

Decreasing blood pressure

Answer

Constricting pupils

Question 26

The autonomic ganglia are located:

Accepted Answer

Both within and outside the central nervous system

Answer

Only within the central nervous system

Answer

Only outside the central nervous system

Answer

Only in the sympathetic division

Question 27

Which of the following is a characteristic of the sympathetic nervous system's effects?

Accepted Answer

Generally excitatory and mobilizing, preparing the body for 'fight or flight'

Answer

Acts only on smooth muscle and glands

Answer

Generally inhibitory, calming the body

Question 28

The vagus nerve is part of which division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic

Answer

Somatic

Answer

Enteric

Answer

Sympathetic

Question 29

The enteric nervous system is:

Accepted Answer

An intrinsic nervous system located within the walls of the gastrointestinal tract

Answer

Part of the parasympathetic nervous system

Answer

Responsible for regulating blood pressure

Question 30

Which structure in the brain serves as a central integration point for autonomic nervous system functions?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Thalamus

Answer

Hippocampus

Question 31

The autonomic nervous system primarily regulates:

Accepted Answer

Involuntary functions and homeostasis, such as heartbeat and digestion

Answer

Voluntary movements, such as walking and talking

Answer

Cognitive processes, such as memory and learning

Question 32

Which neurotransmitter is the primary mediator of parasympathetic stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 33

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic

Answer

Sensory

Answer

Parasympathetic

Answer

Enteric

Question 34

Which structure is NOT a target organ of parasympathetic innervation?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal medulla

Answer

Bronchi

Answer

Heart

Answer

Salivary glands

Question 35

Which of the following functions is NOT mediated by the vagus nerve?

Accepted Answer

Contracts the urinary bladder

Answer

Stimulates gastric secretions

Answer

Slows heart rate

Question 36

Which neurotransmitter is released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Question 37

Which of the following is a parasympathetic ganglion?

Accepted Answer

Ciliary ganglion

Answer

Celiac ganglion

Answer

Superior cervical ganglion

Answer

Inferior mesenteric ganglion

Question 38

Which divisions of the autonomic nervous system are involved in regulating blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Both sympathetic and parasympathetic

Answer

Sympathetic only

Answer

Enteric only

Answer

Parasympathetic only

Question 39

Which of the following clinical signs is associated with hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Pupillary dilation

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Increased salivation

Answer

Hypotension

Question 40

Which hormone can activate the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Glucagon

Answer

Insulin

Question 41

Which of the following neurotransmitters is released by the postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

**Norepinephrine**

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Question 42

What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

**To promote rest and digestion**

Answer

To prepare the body for 'fight or flight' response

Answer

To regulate body temperature

Answer

To control voluntary muscle movement

Question 43

Which of the following organs is innervated solely by the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

**Adrenal medulla**

Answer

Stomach

Answer

Heart

Answer

Salivary glands

Question 44

What is the effect of sympathetic stimulation on heart rate?

Accepted Answer

**Increases heart rate**

Answer

Reverses heart rate

Answer

Decreases heart rate

Answer

No effect on heart rate

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a neurotransmitter released by the preganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

**Dopamine**

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Nitric oxide

Answer

Vasoactive intestinal peptide

Question 46

What is the anatomical location of the cell bodies of preganglionic parasympathetic neurons?

Accepted Answer

**Brain stem and sacral spinal cord**

Answer

Lumbar spinal cord

Answer

Thoracic spinal cord

Answer

Cervical spinal cord

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

**Decreased salivation**

Answer

Increased heart rate

Answer

Relaxed bronchial muscles

Answer

Dilated pupils

Question 48

What is the name of the division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for regulating blood pressure and digestion?

Accepted Answer

**Parasympathetic**

Answer

Sympathetic

Answer

Somatic

Answer

Enteric

Question 49

Which of the following is a common clinical manifestation of sympathetic overactivity?

Accepted Answer

**Tachycardia**

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Miosis

Question 50

What is the role of the vagus nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

**Innervates organs in the thorax and abdomen**

Answer

Controls pupillary constriction

Answer

Stimulates secretion of digestive enzymes

Answer

Regulates body temperature