Autonomic Nervous System Quiz

Define the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

• A part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions.

• A system responsible for voluntary muscle movement.

• The main component of the central nervous system.

• A network of neurons that transmit signals between different parts of the body.

Answer explanation

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, making it the correct choice.

Explain the relationship of the ANS to the PNS and the CNS.

• The ANS is a part of the CNS, independent of the PNS.

• The ANS functions independently of the CNS and PNS.

• The ANS is a component of the PNS, which in turn is part of the CNS.

• The ANS is a subdivision of the PNS, which together with the CNS forms the nervous system.

Answer explanation

The ANS is a subdivision of the PNS, which together with the CNS forms the nervous system.

Which of the following best summarizes the functions of the ANS, including the influence of the general visceral senses?

• Regulation of heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate

• Control of skeletal muscle contractions

• Coordination of the body's immune response

• Facilitation of visual and auditory senses

Answer explanation

The correct choice summarizes the functions of the ANS, including regulating heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Distinguish effectors of the ANS from the effectors of the rest of the motor (efferent) division.

• Effectors of the ANS are primarily involuntary muscles and glands, while effectors of the motor division are skeletal muscles.

• Effectors of the ANS are primarily skeletal muscles, while effectors of the motor division are smooth and cardiac muscles.

• Effectors of the ANS and the motor division are both primarily skeletal muscles.

• There is no difference between the effectors of the ANS and the motor division.

Answer explanation

Effectors of the ANS are primarily involuntary muscles and glands, while effectors of the motor division are skeletal muscles.

Compare the number of neurons in a somatic (or brachial) motor pathway to the number of neurons in an autonomic motor pathway, including location of cell bodies.

• The somatic motor pathway has one neuron with its cell body in the CNS, while the autonomic motor pathway has two neurons with the first's cell body in the CNS and the second's in a ganglion.

• Both pathways have two neurons, but their cell bodies are located differently.

• The somatic motor pathway has two neurons, both with cell bodies in the CNS, unlike the autonomic motor pathway.

• Both pathways have a single neuron, but the location of the cell body differs.

Answer explanation

The somatic motor pathway has one neuron with its cell body in the CNS, while the autonomic motor pathway has two neurons with the first's cell body in the CNS and the second's in a ganglion.

Distinguish preganglionic from postganglionic neurons.

• Preganglionic neurons are those whose cell bodies reside in the central nervous system (CNS) and whose axons extend into the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to reach a ganglion, while postganglionic neurons have their cell bodies in the ganglia and send their axons to target tissues or organs.

• Preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine, while postganglionic neurons release norepinephrine.

• Preganglionic neurons are part of the sympathetic nervous system, while postganglionic neurons are part of the parasympathetic nervous system.

• There is no distinction between preganglionic and postganglionic neurons; they are terms used interchangeably.

Answer explanation

Preganglionic neurons have cell bodies in the CNS and axons extending to the PNS, while postganglionic neurons have cell bodies in ganglia and send axons to target tissues.

Name the two divisions of the ANS.

• Sympathetic and Parasympathetic

• Central and Peripheral

• Somatic and Autonomic

• Afferent and Efferent

Answer explanation

The two divisions of the ANS are Sympathetic and Parasympathetic, which control the fight-or-flight response and rest-and-digest functions, respectively.

Outline the basic functional differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS.

• The sympathetic division prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations, while the parasympathetic division conserves energy and promotes the 'rest and digest' response.

• Both divisions stimulate the body in the same way during stressful situations.

• The parasympathetic division is responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response, while the sympathetic division promotes rest.

• There are no significant functional differences between the two divisions.

Answer explanation

The sympathetic division prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations, while the parasympathetic division conserves energy and promotes the 'rest and digest' response.

Which of the following is an example of a "fight or flight" response experienced by your body?

• Increased heart rate

• Feeling of calmness

• Decreased awareness of surroundings

• Increased digestion

Answer explanation

The correct choice of 'Increased heart rate' is an example of the 'fight or flight' response as it prepares the body for action in response to a perceived threat.

Name examples of "resting and digesting" responses experienced by your body.

• Increased heart rate

• Decreased saliva production

• Stimulation of the digestive system

• Constriction of the airways

Answer explanation

The correct choice of 'Stimulation of the digestive system' is an example of 'resting and digesting' response experienced by the body.