BIOL251 MODULE 8 EXAM REVIEW:
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AND
SPECIAL SENSES| 50 QUESTIONS |
PORTAGE LEARNING
1. Which of the following describes the anatomical origin of the sympathetic nervous system?
A. Craniosacral division
B. Thoracolumbar division
C. Cervical plexus
D. Lumbosacral trunk
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The sympathetic nervous system is known as the thoracolumbar
division because its preganglionic neurons originate in the lateral horns of the T1 through
L2 segments of the spinal cord.
2. Which neurotransmitter is released by all autonomic preganglionic neurons?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Epinephrine
,C. Norepinephrine
D. Dopamine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Acetylcholine (ACh) is the universal neurotransmitter released
by all preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
3. Nicotinic receptors are found on which of the following locations?
A. Sweat glands
B. Cardiac muscle cells
C. All postganglionic cell bodies
D. Smooth muscle of the bronchioles
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Nicotinic receptors are ionotropic receptors found on all
postganglionic neuron cell bodies and the motor end plate of skeletal muscles.
4. Which cranial nerve carries approximately 75-90% of all parasympathetic outflow?
A. CN III (Oculomotor)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D. CN VII (Facial)
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Vagus nerve (CN X) provides extensive parasympathetic
innervation to the thoracic and abdominal viscera.
5. In the sympathetic nervous system, where are the cell bodies of the postganglionic
neurons primarily located?
A. Lateral gray horn
B. Paravertebral chain ganglia
C. Terminal ganglia
D. Dorsal root ganglia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Most sympathetic postganglionic neurons reside in the
sympathetic trunk (paravertebral) ganglia or prevertebral ganglia.
6. Which adrenergic receptor subtype is primarily responsible for increasing heart rate and
contractility?
A. Beta-1
B. Alpha-2
C. Alpha-1
D. Beta-2
Answer: A
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AND
SPECIAL SENSES| 50 QUESTIONS |
PORTAGE LEARNING
1. Which of the following describes the anatomical origin of the sympathetic nervous system?
A. Craniosacral division
B. Thoracolumbar division
C. Cervical plexus
D. Lumbosacral trunk
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The sympathetic nervous system is known as the thoracolumbar
division because its preganglionic neurons originate in the lateral horns of the T1 through
L2 segments of the spinal cord.
2. Which neurotransmitter is released by all autonomic preganglionic neurons?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Epinephrine
,C. Norepinephrine
D. Dopamine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Acetylcholine (ACh) is the universal neurotransmitter released
by all preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
3. Nicotinic receptors are found on which of the following locations?
A. Sweat glands
B. Cardiac muscle cells
C. All postganglionic cell bodies
D. Smooth muscle of the bronchioles
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Nicotinic receptors are ionotropic receptors found on all
postganglionic neuron cell bodies and the motor end plate of skeletal muscles.
4. Which cranial nerve carries approximately 75-90% of all parasympathetic outflow?
A. CN III (Oculomotor)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D. CN VII (Facial)
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Vagus nerve (CN X) provides extensive parasympathetic
innervation to the thoracic and abdominal viscera.
5. In the sympathetic nervous system, where are the cell bodies of the postganglionic
neurons primarily located?
A. Lateral gray horn
B. Paravertebral chain ganglia
C. Terminal ganglia
D. Dorsal root ganglia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Most sympathetic postganglionic neurons reside in the
sympathetic trunk (paravertebral) ganglia or prevertebral ganglia.
6. Which adrenergic receptor subtype is primarily responsible for increasing heart rate and
contractility?
A. Beta-1
B. Alpha-2
C. Alpha-1
D. Beta-2
Answer: A
