Deck 10: Autonomic and Somatic Nervous Systems

Question 1

Emotions can influence autonomic nervous system activity due to interactions between the limbic system and hypothalamus.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Which of the following structures is completely in the periphery?

A) postganglionic neuron
B) preganglionic neuron
C) hypothalamus
D) dendrites of the preganglionic neuron

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The autonomic nervous system is typically under conscious control.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

After a large meal the autonomic nervous system is very active. Describe the correct neural pathway and correctly identify which neurotransmitter is released at the effector(s).

A) pre-ganglionic neuron -> ganglion in or near the effector -> post-ganglionic neuron -> effector: ACh
B) pre-ganglionic neuron -> ganglion distant from the effector -> post-ganglionic neuron -> effector: Ach
C) pre-ganglionic neuron -> ganglion in or near the effector -> post-ganglionic neuron -> effector: NE
D) pre-ganglionic neuron -> ganglion distant from the effector -> post-ganglionic neuron -> effector: NE

Question 5

If you were to cut the axon entering the autonomic ganglion, and then stimulate the axon of the postganglionic neuron, what would happen to the effector of that pathway?

A) it would be activated in the normal manner
B) it would be activated, but in the opposite manner from normal
C) it would not be activated
D) it depends on whether it is the sympathetic or parasympathetic branch

Question 6

Which of the following is (are) main branches of the autonomic nervous system?

A) sympathetic
B) parasympathetic
C) sympathetic and parasympathetic
D) somatic and parasympathetic

Question 7

The dendrites of a preganglionic neuron of the autonomic motor pathway are found in the central nervous system.

Question 8

Using your understanding of the structure of the autonomic nervous system, select the most reasonable explanation for the differences in length of the postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

A) The parasympathetic system synapses in the parasympathetic chain ganglion away from the effector and so the post-ganglionic neuron will be longer than a sympathetic post-ganglionic neuron.
B) The sympathetic system synapses in the sympathetic chain ganglion away from the effector and so the post-ganglionic neuron will be shorter than a sympathetic post-ganglionic neuron.
C) The parasympathetic system synapses close to or in the effector and so the post-ganglionic neuron will be much shorter.
D) The sympathetic system synapses close to or in the effector and so the post-ganglionic neuron will be much shorter.

Question 9

During an asthma attack, a patient may experience a bronchospasm, or tightening of the muscles around the airways, in addition to other complications. A bronchospasm is an example of what type of modification to which section of the nervous system?

A) inhibition of somatic motor neurons
B) no change to any nervous control is likely
C) excitation of somatic motor neurons
D) excitation of autonomic motor neurons

Question 10

The hypothalamus receives sensory input from viscera which it integrates, then sends commands to various structures to respond to that input.

Question 11

The effector in an autonomic motor pathway is innervated by the preganglionic neuron.

Question 12

Which of the following is an effector of the autonomic nervous system?

A) liver
B) hypothalamus
C) preganglionic neuron
D) postganglionic neuron

Question 13

Which of the following correctly describes some of the physical characteristics of the sympathetic neurons?

A) pre-ganglionic neurons are short and post-ganglionic neurons are short
B) pre-ganglionic neurons are long and post-ganglionic neurons are long
C) pre-ganglionic neurons are short and post-ganglionic neurons are long
D) pre-ganglionic neurons are long and post-ganglionic neurons are short

Question 14

Some medications can lead to hypotension, or decreased blood pressure, due to changes in the level of activity of vascular muscles. These medications are most likely affecting the somatic nervous system.

Question 15

Which of the following accurately describes the mechanism of how the sympathetic nervous system operates to release the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine into the blood?

A) The post-ganglionic axon leaves the ganglion and targets the chromaffin cells, which then release the hormones directly.
B) The pre-ganglionic axon synapses immediately with the chromaffin cells, which then release the hormones directly.
C) The pre-ganglionic axon synapses immediately with the chromaffin cells which then synapse with the adrenal medulla to release the hormones.
D) The post-ganglionic axon leaves the chain ganglion and target the chromaffin cells which then synapse with the adrenal medulla to release the hormones.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT an effector of the autonomic nervous system?

A) cardiac muscle
B) glands
C) the brain
D) smooth muscle

Question 17

Autonomic motor pathways all consist of two autonomic motor neurons in a row, while somatic motor pathways consist only of a single somatic motor neuron.

Question 18

In order to slow an increased heart rate, which of the following is most likely to occur?

A) decreased sympathetic nervous system activity only
B) decreased parasympathetic activity only
C) increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity
D) increased parasympathetic activity and decreased sympathetic activity

Question 19

The main control center of the autonomic nervous system is

A) the hypothalamus
B) preganglionic neurons
C) the adrenal medulla
D) the spinal cord

Question 20

In the autonomic motor pathways, the motor neuron whose axon extends to the effector is known as the ______ motor neuron.

Question 21

At which location would you expect to find primarily muscarinic receptors?

A) parasympathetic nervous system effectors
B) parasympathetic and sympathetic postganglionic neurons
C) somatic nervous system effectors
D) sympathetic nervous system effectors

Question 22

Coronary blood vessels will dilate due to (increased/decreased) stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and will constrict due to (increased/decreased) stimulation of the parasympathetic system.

A) decreased, decreased
B) decreased, increased
C) increased, decreased
D) increased, increased

Question 23

All postganglionic neurons of the autonomic nervous system release which neurotransmitter.

A) acetylcholine
B) epinephrine
C) norepinephrine
D) None of the choices is correct.

Question 24

At which location would you expect to find adrenergic receptors?

A) parasympathetic nervous system effectors
B) parasympathetic and sympathetic postganglionic neurons
C) somatic nervous system effectors
D) sympathetic nervous system effectors

Question 25

Which neurotransmitter binds to muscarinic and nicotinic receptors?

A) acetylcholine
B) epinephrine (adrenaline)
C) norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
D) None of the choices is correct.

Question 26

Which neurotransmitter is primarily secreted by axon endings of sympathetic postganglionic neurons?

A) acetylcholine
B) epinephrine (adrenaline)
C) norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
D) dopamine

Question 27

Increased activity in preganglionic neurons will most directly and most strongly activate which type of receptor?

A) alpha-adrenergic
B) beta-adrenergic
C) muscarinic
D) nicotinic

Question 28

Organophosphate insecticides are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Which combination of symptoms might you expect to observe in a patient with organophosphate poisoning (ingestion of organophosphates)?

A) decreased heart rate, constricted pupils, increased tear secretion
B) decreased heart rate, dilated pupils, increased salivary secretion
C) increased heart rate, constricted pupils, increased tear secretion
D) increased heart rate, dilated pupils, decreased salivary secretion

Question 29

If the amount of acetylcholine in your body were suddenly reduced to a very low quantity, which branches of the nervous system would be strongly affected?

A) both the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches would be majorly affected
B) only the post-ganglionic axons of the parasympathetic system would be affected
C) the entire parasympathetic system would be majorly affected
D) only the post-ganglionic axons of the sympathetic system would be affected

Question 30

At which location would you expect to find primarily G-protein coupled receptors?

A) parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system effectors
B) parasympathetic and sympathetic postganglionic neurons
C) parasympathetic nervous system effectors only
D) sympathetic nervous system effectors only

Question 31

Beta blockers (beta-adrenergic antagonists) are drugs used to treat a variety of medical conditions (e.g., glaucoma, heart problems, anxiety disorders). These drugs have what effect on the actions of neurons on their effectors, and in which autonomic motor pathway (parasympathetic, sympathetic)?

A) decrease, parasympathetic nervous system
B) decrease, sympathetic nervous system
C) increase, parasympathetic nervous system
D) increase, sympathetic nervous system

Question 32

Imagine that you are camping in the woods at night and after eating your dinner you hear rustling noises and what sounds like growling coming from the trees behind you. You look for your flashlight so you can go investigate and you notice that your heart is beating very quickly. What has likely caused this change?

A) activation of the parasympathetic nervous system that released norepinephrine into your cardiac muscles cells
B) activation of the sympathetic nervous system that released ACh into your cardiac muscles cells
C) activation of the parasympathetic nervous system that released ACh into your cardiac muscles cells
D) activation of the sympathetic nervous system that released norepinephrine into your cardiac muscles cells

Question 33

Postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system primarily secrete acetylcholine, while postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system primarily secrete norepinephrine.

Question 34

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are used to treat certain types of depression. What type of change in autonomic symptoms might a person taking MAO inhibitors experience?

A) decreased parasympathetic activity
B) increased parasympathetic activity
C) no change in parasympathetic activity
D) increased sympathetic activity

Question 35

Which of the following would NOT occur due to stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system?

A) secretion of bile
B) secretion of digestive enzymes
C) secretion of epinephrine
D) secretion of tears

Question 36

Madison decides to go outside and break her personal record for total distance ran in an hour. When she finishes her run (and breaks her record) she notices that she is hardly sweating at all. Which of the following explanations identifies what might be wrong with her physiology (in this instance only)?

A) reduction of the amount of Ach released by the sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons
B) reduction of the amount of NE released by the sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons
C) reduction of the amount of ACH released by the parasympathetic post-ganglionic neurons
D) increase of the amount of NE released by the sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons

Question 37

When someone is stressed, their blood glucose levels tend to _____ compared to their normal levels when they are not stressed.

Question 38

Alpha-bungarotoxin is a snake toxin that is a nicotinic antagonist. If someone were injected with alpha-bungarotoxin, which of the following cells would most directly have their activity affected?

A) effectors of both the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches
B) preganglionic neurons in both the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches
C) postganglionic neurons in both the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches
D) effectors of the sympathetic branch only

Question 39

Most sweat glands are not dually innervated by the two branches of the autonomic nervous system.

Question 40

When fighting or fleeing a stressor, blood vessels to the heart, skeletal muscles and liver vasodilate, while blood vessels to the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract vasoconstrict.

Question 41

Which of the following is NOT an example of the somatic nervous system's contribution to homeostasis?

A) breathing in and out
B) maintaining your balance
C) stimulation of digestive muscles
D) exciting skeletal muscle

Question 42

In World War I, nerve agents were used in the newly discovered chemical warfare in order to inflict extreme pain and death on a monumental scale. These agents interrupted normal communication at the neuromuscular junction by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity. How does this mechanism affect somatic muscle activity?

A) high amounts of ACh cause muscle relaxation
B) high amounts of ACh cause uncontrollable muscle spasms
C) low amounts of ACh cause muscle relaxation
D) low amounts of ACh cause uncontrollable muscle spasms

Question 43

If you removed the external Ca⁺⁺ at the neuromuscular junction, you would most directly affect which of the following?

A) action potential in motor neuron
B) acetylcholine exocytosis
C) end-plate potential
D) None of the choices would be affected.

Question 44

If the frequency of action potentials in a somatic motor neuron increased, would there be any effect on the activity of the muscle innervated by the motor neuron?

A) no
B) yes, it would decrease
C) yes, it would increase

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT an example of homeostatic regulation of sexual reproduction by the nervous system?

A) lactation of breast milk
B) sexual arousal
C) fertilization of an egg by a sperm
D) expression of sex traits

Question 46

At the neuromuscular junction, a somatic motor neuron's axon branches to innervate multiple muscle fibers in a muscle.

Question 47

The end-plate potential is a type of graded potential.

Question 48

Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections are a popular cosmetic treatment because they allow an individual to temporarily reduce visible wrinkles in the skin (usually around the face). What is a probable mechanism of Botox at the neuromuscular junction?

A) Inhibition of muscarinic receptors that cannot then bind to ACh and cause an end-plate potential, causing muscle relaxation.
B) Excitation of ACh vesicles in the pre-synaptic neuron allow for end-plate potentials to be fired and cause muscle tightness due to excess contraction.
C) Inhibition of ACh vesicles in the pre-synaptic neuron prevent an end-plate potential and cause complete muscle relaxation.
D) Excitation of the nicotinic receptors making them extra sensitive to ACh and causing more contractions with less ACh present in the NMJ.

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a way that the nervous system contributes to homeostasis?

A) The somatic nervous system controls movement.
B) All parts of the peripheral nervous system rapidly communicate information via action potentials.
C) The somatic nervous system regulates the growth of target cells in the body.
D) The nervous system receives and integrates sensory information in order to properly control motor commands.

Question 50

During a fight-or-flight response, a person can experience vasoconstriction in some blood vessels and vasodilation in others. How is it possible that norepinephrine can produce both vasodilation and vasoconstriction?

A) There are different membrane receptors for noepinephrine, and activation of different receptor types determines the response of the effector
B) There are different forms of norepinephrine which bind to the same receptors but have different effects on the cells
C) When norepinephrine flows through the membrane into smooth muscle cells, it can bind to different proteins causing different responses in different cells.
D) Norepinephrine can bind to G-protein receptors causing a signal cascade and cAMP can have various effects inside of the cytosol, depending on the type of cell that it is in.

Question 51

Increased autonomic activity to the heart could have what effect on the activity of the heart?

A) decreased heart rate
B) increased heart rate
C) both increased or decreased heart rate
D) neither increased or decreased heart rate

Question 52

Which of the following drug types might cause uncontrollable muscle seizures?

A) α-latrotoxin - excitation of pre-synaptic vesicle release
B) botulinum toxin - inhibition of pre-synaptic vesicle release
C) curare - inhibition of nicotinic receptors
D) rocuronium - inhibition of muscarinic receptors

Question 53

The effector(s) of the somatic motor system include(s)

A) cardiac and skeletal muscle
B) cardiac and smooth muscle
C) cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle
D) skeletal muscle only

Question 54

Increased somatic nervous system activity could have what effect on the activity of skeletal muscles?

A) decrease activity
B) increase activity
C) both increase or decrease activity
D) neither increase or decrease activity

Question 55

Holly just got into a car accident and was T-boned by another driver. Luckily, both drivers escaped with no major injuries and Holly was able to exit her car safely to walk to the side of the road and sit down. When the EMT's arrive, what signs of autonomic nervous system stimulation might they look for in Holly?

A) sweating palms and large pupils
B) increased heart rate and pupil constriction
C) decreased breathing rate and excessive drooling
D) dangerously low heart rate and excessive tear secretion

Question 56

Activation of the somatic nervous system is NOT important for which of the following functions?

A) balance
B) heart contraction strength
C) posture
D) voluntary movements

Question 57

The nervous system uses graded and action potentials to communicate with, and regulate most body organs and systems to help maintain homeostasis.

Question 58

The graded potentials produced in skeletal muscle fibers are called _____, and they tend to be produced near the _____ of the muscle fiber.

A) end plate potentials; middle
B) end plate potentials; ends
C) pacemaker potentials; middle
D) pacemaker potentials; ends

Question 59

Increased somatic nervous system activity has which effect on the motor neurons?

A) increased release of ACh from the post-ganglionic motor neuron
B) increased release of NE from the somatic motor neuron
C) increased release of ACh from the somatic motor neuron
D) increased release of NE from the post-ganglionic motor neuron

Question 60

The somatic nervous system has dual innervation of its effectors.