ANS exam practice question

Compared with the somatic nervous system, the autonomic nervous system

Uses two neurons in its efferent pathway

Which neurotransmitter is released by ALL autonomic preganglionic neurons?

Acetylcholine

Which neurotransmitter is released by most sympathetic postganglionic neurons?

Norepinephrine

The sympathetic nervous system extended from the central nervous system’s ___________

Thoraci-lumbar division

The parasympathetic division extended from the central nervous system’s ___________

Craniosacral division

Which cranial nerve (CN) provides parasympathetic innervation to much of the thoracic and abdominal viscera?

CN X

Which neurotransmitter is the primary neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic postganglionic neuron?

Acetylcholine

Which receptor is found on the cell bodies of all autonomic postganglionic neurons (the second neurons)?

Nicotinic receptor

Activation of muscarinic receptors on many smooth muscles of glands generally causes:

Smooth muscle contraction and increased secretion

The α2 receptor is important in regulating sympathetic nervous system activity because activation:

Decreases norepinephrine release

A patient receives a β1 receptor blocker. Which response would be expected?

Decreased cardiac contractility

Which receptor is associated with relaxation of the urinary bladder and prevention of urination?

β3

Which of the following pairings is correct?

β1 stimulation — increased cardiac activity

Which neurotransmitter is considered a hormone rather than a peripheral neurotransmitter when released from the adrenal medulla?

Epinephrine

Which enzymes metabolize catecholamines such as norepinephrine? (Choose all that apply)

A. Acetylcholinesterase
B. MAO
C. COMT
D. Dopamine

B,C

Albuterol is a commonly used medication for asthma treatment. Which of the following is the most likely mechanism of action of albuterol on the bronchi, in order to improve asthma symptoms?

Bronchodilation through β2 receptors

Raynaud's disease is caused by:

Excessive α1-mediated vasospasm

A patient recently started Ipatropium bromide inhaler for his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to help him breath. Since starting the inhaler, he has complained of severe constipation. Which of the following is the most likely mechanism of action of ipratropium that can cause this side effect?

Muscurinic receptor blocker (it blocks the muscarinic receptors)

A patient suffered from a spinal cord injury at his sacral region. Which of the following physiological dysfunctions do you think he may experience?

Loss of control of urinary bladder (due to damage of parasympathetic nervous system activitiy)

If hypertension is partly caused by overactive sympathetic vasoconstrictor response to stress, which of the following medication can potentially help in reducing blood pressure?

An alpha-1 receptor blocker

A patient complains of frequent urination (urinary urgency) due to an overactive bladder.
Which of the following medication with the describe mechanism of action may help relieve the symptoms?

Muscarinic receptor blocker

Which receptor is found on the cell bodies of all autonomic postganglionic neurons?

Nicotinic receptor

Which receptor is associated with triglyceride breakdown in adipose tissue?

β3

During an increase in blood pressure, arterial baroreceptors detect increased stretch. Which response helps lower blood pressure?

Decreased heart rate through parasympathetic activity

A patient has been recently diagnosed of arrhythmia, where his heart rate is very fast. Which of the following autonomic nervous system dysfunction can possibly cause his arrhythmia?

Overstimulation of the beta-1 receptor