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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Healthcare

Autonomic Nervous System Knowledge Test

Deepen Your Understanding of ANS Regulation

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting a quiz on Autonomic Nervous System knowledge.

Ready to challenge yourself with an autonomic nervous system quiz? This Autonomic Nervous System Knowledge Test offers 15 multiple-choice questions designed to deepen your understanding of homeostasis and ANS regulation. Ideal for students of physiology or healthcare professionals seeking a quick knowledge check, it highlights key autonomic functions and neurotransmitter roles. You can customise every question effortlessly in our editor to suit your study goals. Looking for more quizzes? Try the Peripheral Nervous System Anatomy Quiz, explore the Anatomy Knowledge Test, or browse all quizzes.

Which two divisions make up the primary branches of the autonomic nervous system?
Somatic and Enteric
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
Central and Peripheral
Sensory and Motor
The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. Central vs. peripheral refers to the broader nervous system, while somatic and enteric or sensory and motor are different classifications.
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for "rest and digest" activities?
Enteric
Parasympathetic
Sympathetic
Somatic
The parasympathetic division promotes digestion, energy storage, and relaxation. The sympathetic division, by contrast, is involved in "fight or flight" responses.
What neurotransmitter is released at all autonomic ganglia?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid
Norepinephrine
Dopamine
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter at both sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglionic synapses. Norepinephrine is released by most sympathetic postganglionic fibers, not at the ganglia.
Activation of which receptor subtype increases heart rate during a sympathetic response?
Muscarinic M2
Beta1-adrenergic
Alpha1-adrenergic
Nicotinic
Beta1-adrenergic receptors on the sinoatrial node increase heart rate when stimulated by sympathetic fibers. Alpha1 receptors mainly cause vasoconstriction, and muscarinic M2 mediates parasympathetic decreases in heart rate.
Which division of the autonomic nervous system enhances digestive gland secretion and gut motility?
Enteric
Sympathetic
Somatic
Parasympathetic
Parasympathetic activation promotes digestive processes by increasing gland secretion and peristalsis. Although the enteric system controls gut function, it is modulated by parasympathetic input.
Preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division originate from which spinal levels?
Thoracolumbar (T1 - L2)
Cervical only
Craniosacral (Cranial nerves III, VII, IX, X and S2 - S4)
Lumbar only
Sympathetic preganglionic neurons arise from the thoracolumbar spinal cord segments T1 through L2. The craniosacral origin refers to the parasympathetic division.
Which autonomic receptor type is an ionotropic receptor?
Beta-adrenergic receptor
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
Alpha-adrenergic receptor
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are ligand-gated ion channels (ionotropic) at autonomic ganglia and neuromuscular junctions. Muscarinic and adrenergic receptors are G protein - coupled (metabotropic).
During acute stress, which adrenal medulla secretion amplifies the sympathetic response?
Acetylcholine
Cortisol
Epinephrine
Dopamine
The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine into the bloodstream in response to sympathetic stimulation, enhancing heart rate and blood flow to muscles. Acetylcholine is used at autonomic ganglia but not released into circulation.
At parasympathetic neuroeffector junctions, the predominant neurotransmitter is:
Epinephrine
Acetylcholine
Norepinephrine
Nitric oxide
Parasympathetic postganglionic fibers release acetylcholine to activate muscarinic receptors on target organs. Norepinephrine is the main transmitter of most sympathetic postganglionic fibers.
Stimulation of alpha1-adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle causes:
Bronchodilation
Increased heart contractility
Vasoconstriction
Vasodilation
Alpha1-adrenergic receptors on blood vessels mediate vasoconstriction when activated by sympathetic neurotransmitters. Bronchodilation is largely mediated by beta2-adrenergic receptors.
Which reflex arc is critical for rapid autonomic regulation of blood pressure?
Baroreceptor reflex
Withdrawal reflex
Accommodation reflex
Patellar tendon reflex
Baroreceptors in the carotid sinus and aortic arch sense blood pressure changes and adjust autonomic outflow to maintain homeostasis. The others are somatic or ocular reflexes.
An acute drop in blood pressure will trigger increased sympathetic activity resulting in:
Bradycardia and vasodilation
Sweating inhibition
Tachycardia and vasoconstriction
Increased digestion
A fall in arterial pressure activates baroreceptor-mediated sympathetic discharge, raising heart rate (tachycardia) and vascular resistance (vasoconstriction).
The enteric nervous system primarily controls which function?
Gastrointestinal motility and secretion
Blood pressure regulation
Sweat production
Pupil dilation
The enteric nervous system is a semi-autonomous network governing gut motility, secretion, and blood flow. Blood pressure, pupil size, and sweating are regulated by other autonomic divisions.
Blocking which receptor would decrease heart rate in hypertension therapy?
Muscarinic M3 receptor
Alpha1-adrenergic receptor
Nicotinic receptor
Beta1-adrenergic receptor
Beta1 blockers reduce heart rate and contractility by inhibiting sympathetic stimulation of the heart. Alpha1 blockade lowers blood pressure by vasodilation but has less direct effect on heart rate.
Orthostatic hypotension often results from failure of which mechanism?
Sympathetic vasoconstrictor reflex
Somatic motor reflex
Enteric reflex
Parasympathetic cardiac reflex
Orthostatic hypotension is commonly caused by inadequate sympathetic-mediated vasoconstriction upon standing. Parasympathetic, enteric, and somatic reflexes play minimal roles in acute postural blood pressure maintenance.
Which negative feedback mechanism reduces sympathetic output when arterial pressure rises?
Baroreceptor activation leading to decreased sympathetic tone
Chemoreceptor activation increasing sympathetic tone
Muscle spindle feedback
Myotatic reflex
Elevated arterial pressure stretches baroreceptors, triggering signals that decrease sympathetic efferent activity to lower blood pressure. Chemoreceptors respond to chemical changes, not directly to pressure.
Which enzyme is primarily responsible for degrading norepinephrine within sympathetic nerve terminals?
Monoamine oxidase
Tyrosine hydroxylase
Acetylcholinesterase
Choline acetyltransferase
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) in presynaptic terminals degrades norepinephrine after reuptake. Acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine, while tyrosine hydroxylase is involved in catecholamine synthesis.
A patient with diabetic autonomic neuropathy most likely exhibits:
Reduced heart rate variability and orthostatic hypotension
Enhanced salivation
Excess sweating and hypertension
Bradycardia under stress
Diabetic autonomic neuropathy often impairs autonomic reflexes, reducing heart rate variability and causing orthostatic hypotension. Excess sweating and hypertension are opposite effects, and bradycardia under stress is atypical.
Activation of which receptor subtype increases aqueous humor secretion in the eye?
Alpha2-adrenergic receptor
Muscarinic M3 receptor
Alpha1-adrenergic receptor
Beta2-adrenergic receptor
Beta2 receptors in the ciliary epithelium enhance aqueous humor production when stimulated. Alpha2 activation reduces it, and muscarinic or alpha1 receptors have different ocular effects.
During a stress response, parasympathetic inhibition of heart rate occurs primarily by:
Vagal withdrawal
Baroreceptor-mediated parasympathetic activation
Increased acetylcholine release
Adrenal medulla secretion
Stress induces parasympathetic withdrawal, often called vagal withdrawal, to allow heart rate to rise. Increased acetylcholine would slow heart rate, and adrenal medulla releases catecholamines, not acetylcholine.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify the primary divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
  2. Differentiate between sympathetic and parasympathetic functions.
  3. Analyze how ANS regulation maintains homeostasis under stress.
  4. Apply knowledge of key ANS neurotransmitters in physiological contexts.
  5. Evaluate the impact of autonomic dysregulation in common disorders.
  6. Demonstrate understanding of feedback mechanisms controlling ANS activity.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) - The ANS is like your body's autopilot, with two main teams - the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions - coordinating involuntary actions without you lifting a finger. The sympathetic division kicks in for "fight or flight," while the parasympathetic brings you back to "rest and digest" mode. Britannica: Autonomic Nervous System
  2. Differentiate Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Functions - Think of the sympathetic system as your internal accelerator, boosting heart rate and opening airways when danger looms. In contrast, the parasympathetic system applies the brakes, slowing the heart and revving up digestion for recovery and energy storage. Merck Manuals: ANS Overview
  3. Recognize the Role of the Enteric Nervous System - Often called the "second brain," the enteric nervous system oversees your gut health, controlling everything from enzyme release to muscle contractions in the digestive tract. It works semi-independently but still chats with the rest of the ANS for smooth sailing through meals. Verywell Mind: Enteric Nervous System
  4. Learn Key ANS Neurotransmitters - Acetylcholine is the parasympathetic's secret sauce, slowing you down and aiding digestion, while norepinephrine fuels the sympathetic surge during stress or exercise. Understanding these chemical messengers is crucial for grasping how the ANS tweaks your body's settings. Verywell Mind: ANS Neurotransmitters
  5. Understand ANS Regulation of Homeostasis Under Stress - When you face a challenge, the ANS jumps into action to keep your internal environment stable, increasing blood flow to muscles and sharpening senses. Once the crisis passes, it switches gears to restore balance and conserve energy. Merck Manuals: Stress & Homeostasis
  6. Explore Feedback Mechanisms in ANS Activity - Your body uses negative feedback loops to fine-tune physiological parameters like blood pressure and temperature, sending constant updates between sensors and control centers. This loop ensures you don't overcorrect and end up swinging wildly out of your comfort zone. Merck Manuals: Feedback Mechanisms
  7. Identify Common Disorders Related to ANS Dysregulation - Conditions like orthostatic hypotension and multiple system atrophy arise when ANS pathways glitch, leading to dizziness, blood pressure swings, or digestive woes. Spotting these signs early can help you intervene and seek proper treatment. Cleveland Clinic: ANS Disorders
  8. Recognize the Impact of ANS on Daily Activities - From automatic breathing and heartbeat regulation to sweating and digestion, the ANS works behind the scenes so you can focus on life's adventures. Even typing this study guide wouldn't be possible without its constant fine-tuning! Merck Manuals: Everyday ANS Functions
  9. Understand the Anatomical Pathways of the ANS - The sympathetic fibers emerge from your thoracic and lumbar spinal cord, while parasympathetic fibers originate in the brainstem and sacral region, each traveling to target organs via precise routes. Mapping these pathways is like tracing the wiring in a complex machine. OpenStax: Anatomical Pathways
  10. Learn the Clinical Significance of ANS Function - Proper ANS performance is vital for overall health - malfunctions can lead to chronic issues like heart rate irregularities, digestive disturbances, or even impaired stress responses. Understanding these concepts lays the groundwork for diagnosing and managing autonomic disorders. Cleveland Clinic: Clinical Significance
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