Autonomic Nervous System Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

Which of the following is **NOT** a function of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Initiating voluntary muscle movements

Answer

Regulating heart rate

Answer

Controlling digestion

Answer

Maintaining body temperature

Question 2

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Preparing the body for 'fight or flight' responses

Answer

Lowering blood pressure

Answer

Stimulating digestion

Answer

Constricting the pupils of the eyes

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 4

Which of the following is a characteristic effect of sympathetic stimulation on the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate

Answer

Vasodilation

Answer

Lowered blood pressure

Answer

Reduced cardiac output

Question 5

The adrenal medulla is a key component of the sympathetic nervous system because it:

Accepted Answer

Secretes catecholamines into the bloodstream

Answer

Receives postganglionic input from the spinal cord

Answer

Contains preganglionic neurons

Answer

Regulates hormone production in the pituitary gland

Question 6

Which of the following is **NOT** a neurotransmitter involved in the transmission of autonomic signals?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Question 7

The enteric nervous system is a component of the autonomic nervous system that:

Accepted Answer

Controls digestion and intestinal function

Answer

Regulates the respiratory system

Answer

Mediates responses to external stimuli

Answer

Is under voluntary control

Question 8

Which sequence correctly describes the sympathetic reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Stimulus -> Receptor -> Afferent neuron -> Sympathetic ganglion -> Efferent neuron -> Effector

Answer

Stimulus -> Receptor -> Afferent neuron -> Spinal cord -> Efferent neuron -> Effector

Answer

Stimulus -> Receptor -> Afferent neuron -> Spinal cord -> Interneuron -> Efferent neuron -> Effector

Question 9

An ECG recording shows a high heart rate and low heart rate variability. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is likely to be most active in this person?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic

Answer

Parasympathetic

Answer

Enteric

Question 10

How do anticholinergic drugs, commonly used to target the parasympathetic nervous system, exert their effects? Provide an example of their therapeutic application.

Accepted Answer

Block muscarinic receptors

Answer

Stimulate nicotinic receptors

Answer

Inhibit norepinephrine reuptake

Answer

Activate beta-adrenergic receptors

Question 11

Which of the following is **NOT** a characteristic of the **parasympathetic** nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Increases heart rate

Answer

Constricts pupils

Answer

Decreases blood pressure

Answer

Stimulates digestion

Question 12

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for mediating **parasympathetic** effects?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Question 13

The **sympathetic** nervous system is activated in response to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Fight-or-flight response

Answer

Feeding

Answer

Rest-and-digest response

Answer

Homeostasis

Question 14

The autonomic ganglia that are located **outside** the central nervous system are known as:

Accepted Answer

Peripheral ganglia

Answer

Central ganglia

Answer

Parasympathetic ganglia

Answer

Sympathetic ganglia

Question 15

Which of the following is **NOT** a function of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Conscious control of body functions

Answer

Digestive system regulation

Answer

Control of breathing

Answer

Regulation of heart rate

Question 16

The vagus nerve is responsible for innervating which organs?

Accepted Answer

Heart, lungs, and digestive organs

Answer

Heart, brain, and kidneys

Answer

Lungs, liver, and pancreas

Answer

Digestive organs, kidneys, and adrenal glands

Question 17

Which of the following is a neurotransmitter released by **postganglionic parasympathetic** neurons?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Question 18

The sympathetic nervous system generally has a(n) ______ effect on blood pressure.

Accepted Answer

Increasing

Answer

Variable

Answer

Decreasing

Answer

No effect

Question 19

Which of the following divisions of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis under resting conditions?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic

Answer

Enteric

Answer

Sympathetic

Question 20

In the autonomic nervous system, which division is known for triggering the 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic Division

Answer

Enteric Nervous System

Answer

Parasympathetic Division

Answer

Somatic Nervous System

Question 21

In the parasympathetic division, where are the cell bodies of preganglionic neurons located?

Accepted Answer

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Answer

Autonomic Plexus

Answer

Target Organs

Answer

Ganglia

Question 22

Which neurotransmitter is released by postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Question 23

The primary responsibility of the enteric nervous system is to:

Accepted Answer

Regulate gastrointestinal functions

Answer

Induce sweating

Answer

Dilate pupils

Answer

Control blood pressure

Question 24

Sympathetic stimulation typically leads to what change in heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Increase

Answer

Variable response

Answer

Decrease

Answer

No change

Question 25

Which of the following actions is NOT a function of the parasympathetic division?

Accepted Answer

Pupil dilation

Answer

Salivation

Answer

Defecation

Answer

Urination

Question 26

In which region of the body is the superior cervical ganglion located?

Accepted Answer

Neck

Answer

Pelvis

Answer

Abdomen

Answer

Thorax

Question 27

Which neurotransmitter is released by parasympathetic postganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Dopamine