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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Autonomic Nervous System Controls Quiz - Are You Up for the Challenge?

Autonomic nervous system controls all of the following except - think you know the answer?

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut style organs heart lungs brain nerves on sky blue background for autonomic nervous system quiz

Curious about what happens behind the scenes in your body? This free autonomic nervous system MCQ quiz lets you test if you can spot which processes the autonomic nervous system controls all of the following except and fill in the blank for the question: the parasympathetic neurotransmitter at target organs is __________. Perfect for students, nurses, and science buffs, it sharpens your grasp of vital reflexes and feedback loops. Along the way, you'll revisit key autonomic pathways, neurotransmitter actions, and physiological responses that drive heart rate, digestion, and glandular secretions. Ready to test your skills? Dive into this deep-dive challenge and explore additional practice questions. Begin now!

Which of the following is NOT controlled by the autonomic nervous system?
Pupillary dilation
Gastrointestinal motility
Heart rate
Voluntary skeletal muscle contraction
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, pupillary size, and digestive motility. Voluntary skeletal muscle contractions are mediated by the somatic nervous system, not the ANS. The ANS controls smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands. This functional distinction is foundational in neurophysiology. source
What are the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
Somatic and central
Central and peripheral
Somatic and enteric
Sympathetic and parasympathetic
The autonomic nervous system is classically divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. The sympathetic division prepares the body for 'fight-or-flight' responses, while the parasympathetic supports 'rest-and-digest' functions. These divisions have distinct origins, neurotransmitters, and effects on target organs. source
Which neurotransmitter is released by postganglionic parasympathetic fibers?
Norepinephrine
Acetylcholine
Epinephrine
Dopamine
Postganglionic parasympathetic neurons release acetylcholine to activate muscarinic receptors on target tissues. This cholinergic transmission mediates responses like decreased heart rate and increased glandular secretion. In contrast, most sympathetic postganglionic fibers release norepinephrine. The balance of these transmitters shapes autonomic tone. source
The fight-or-flight response primarily involves activation of which autonomic division?
Sympathetic
Enteric
Parasympathetic
Somatic
The sympathetic division orchestrates the fight-or-flight response by increasing heart rate, dilating bronchi, and mobilizing energy stores. Parasympathetic activity generally supports restful states. The enteric system controls the gut independently, and the somatic system handles voluntary muscle control. Sympathetic activation is central to acute stress responses. source
Which receptor subtype mediates parasympathetic slowing of heart rate?
M1 muscarinic receptor
M2 muscarinic receptor
Beta-1 adrenergic receptor
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor
M2 muscarinic receptors are the primary parasympathetic receptors on the sinoatrial node, reducing heart rate when activated by acetylcholine. M1 receptors are primarily found in the CNS and gastric glands. Beta-1 and alpha-1 are sympathetic receptors. Understanding receptor subtypes is essential for pharmacologic targeting. source
Which organ's function is not directly influenced by the autonomic nervous system?
Salivary secretion
Skeletal muscle contraction
Sweat glands
Bronchial smooth muscle
Autonomic fibers innervate smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands, but voluntary skeletal muscle is controlled by the somatic nervous system. Salivary glands, bronchial smooth muscle, and sweat glands receive autonomic innervation. This distinction highlights the role division between somatic and autonomic systems. source
Which structure serves as the integrating center for autonomic reflexes?
Hypothalamus
Dorsal root ganglion
Cerebellum
Cerebral cortex
The hypothalamus regulates autonomic functions such as temperature, hunger, and cardiovascular reflexes by integrating inputs from higher brain centers and peripheral sensors. The cerebral cortex modulates emotional aspects, but not core reflexes. Dorsal root ganglia relay sensory input, and the cerebellum coordinates motor control. The hypothalamus is the central autonomic hub. source
Parasympathetic preganglionic neurons originate from which regions of the spinal cord?
Craniosacral region
Cervical region
Thoracolumbar region
Lumbar region
Parasympathetic outflow arises from cranial nerves III, VII, IX, X and sacral segments S2 - S4, thus termed the craniosacral division. Sympathetic fibers originate from the thoracolumbar region (T1 - L2). The distinction reflects developmental origins and target organ distribution. source
Which neurotransmitter is released at all preganglionic synapses in the autonomic nervous system?
GABA
Acetylcholine
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter at both sympathetic and parasympathetic preganglionic synapses, acting on nicotinic receptors. Sympathetic postganglionic fibers mostly release norepinephrine, while parasympathetic fibers release acetylcholine. GABA is inhibitory in the CNS, not in autonomic ganglia. source
Which receptor mediates sympathetic vasoconstriction in skin blood vessels?
Beta-2 adrenergic receptor
M3 muscarinic receptor
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor
D1 dopamine receptor
Sympathetic vasoconstriction in cutaneous vessels is primarily mediated by alpha-1 adrenergic receptors on smooth muscle. Beta-2 receptors mediate vasodilation in skeletal muscle beds. M3 receptors respond to acetylcholine, and D1 receptors modulate renal blood flow. Alpha-1 activation increases peripheral resistance. source
Which of the following is NOT a parasympathetic effect?
Increased sweat gland secretion
Stimulation of gut motility
Enhanced salivation
Pupil constriction
Sweat gland secretion is controlled by sympathetic cholinergic fibers, not the parasympathetic system. Parasympathetic activation increases salivation, constricts pupils, and stimulates digestive activity. Each branch has specific target actions on glands and smooth muscle. source
What is the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the urinary bladder?
Contraction of the detrusor muscle
Increased urine production
Stimulation of micturition
Relaxation of the detrusor muscle
Sympathetic fibers relax the detrusor muscle (via beta-3 receptors) and contract the internal sphincter (via alpha-1) to promote urine storage. Parasympathetic activation has the opposite effect, contracting detrusor and causing micturition. Urine production is controlled by renal function and hormones. source
Which statement about the enteric nervous system is true?
It relies exclusively on sympathetic input
It only controls voluntary muscle
It can operate independently of the central nervous system
Its only neurotransmitter is dopamine
The enteric nervous system can regulate gastrointestinal motility and secretion autonomously, though it communicates with the CNS. It uses multiple neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, serotonin, and dopamine. It controls smooth, not voluntary, muscle. Sympathetic and parasympathetic inputs modulate but do not solely drive ENS function. source
Which ganglia are located near or within the target organ?
Sympathetic chain ganglia
Dorsal root ganglia
Parasympathetic ganglia
Sympathetic collateral ganglia
Parasympathetic postganglionic neurons have ganglia located in or near their target organs to allow for precise local control. Sympathetic fibers use paravertebral chain and prevertebral collateral ganglia often distant from the target. Dorsal root ganglia contain sensory neuron cell bodies. Ganglia position is a key anatomical distinction. source
Which adrenergic receptor subtype increases heart contractility when activated?
Dopamine D2 receptor
Beta-2 adrenergic receptor
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor
Beta-1 adrenergic receptor
Beta-1 receptors are abundant in cardiac tissue and increase heart rate and contractility when stimulated by catecholamines. Beta-2 receptors primarily mediate smooth muscle relaxation. Alpha-2 receptors are presynaptic inhibitory receptors, and D2 receptors are dopaminergic. Cardiac beta-1 activation is central to sympathetic inotropy. source
The adrenal medulla receives direct preganglionic fibers from which division of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic
Parasympathetic
Enteric
Somatic
The adrenal medulla is innervated directly by sympathetic preganglionic fibers that release acetylcholine onto nicotinic receptors, triggering epinephrine and norepinephrine secretion. Parasympathetic fibers do not project to the adrenal medulla. The enteric and somatic systems are not involved in adrenal hormone release. This unique innervation makes the medulla a specialized sympathetic effector. source
Muscarinic receptors are G-protein coupled, while nicotinic receptors are what type of receptor?
Ligand-gated ion channels
Enzyme-linked receptors
Tyrosine kinase receptors
G-protein coupled receptors
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that open in response to acetylcholine binding, allowing cation flow. Muscarinic receptors are G-protein coupled and mediate slower, second-messenger responses. Tyrosine kinase and enzyme-linked receptors are different classes not used by nicotinic ACh receptors. Ionotropic versus metabotropic distinction is fundamental. source
The primary parasympathetic outflow to the heart is via which cranial nerve?
Glossopharyngeal nerve
Vagus nerve (Cranial X)
Facial nerve
Oculomotor nerve
The vagus nerve provides parasympathetic innervation to the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, decreasing heart rate. Glossopharyngeal is sensory to carotid bodies and parotid gland. Oculomotor controls pupil constriction and lens shape, and facial controls lacrimation and salivation. Vagal tone is a key regulator of cardiac function. source
Which receptor subtype mediates bronchodilation during the sympathetic response?
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor
M3 muscarinic receptor
Beta-1 adrenergic receptor
Beta-2 adrenergic receptor
Beta-2 receptors on bronchial smooth muscle mediate relaxation when stimulated by circulating epinephrine or sympathetic nerves. Beta-1 receptors primarily affect the heart, alpha-1 receptors cause vasoconstriction, and M3 receptors constrict airways when activated by acetylcholine. Beta-2 agonists are used clinically as bronchodilators. source
Organophosphate insecticides inhibit which enzyme leading to excessive parasympathetic activity?
Choline acetyltransferase
Acetylcholinesterase
Catechol-O-methyltransferase
Monoamine oxidase
Organophosphates phosphorylate and irreversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, preventing breakdown of acetylcholine in synapses. The buildup of acetylcholine causes continuous stimulation of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. COMT and MAO degrade catecholamines, not acetylcholine. Choline acetyltransferase synthesizes acetylcholine. source
Which statement best describes divergence and convergence in autonomic pathways?
There is no divergence in autonomic pathways
Postganglionic fibers diverge into the CNS
Preganglionic fibers converge to a single postganglionic neuron
Preganglionic fibers diverge to multiple postganglionic neurons and postganglionics converge on targets
Autonomic preganglionic fibers often branch to synapse with multiple postganglionic neurons (divergence), amplifying the signal. Multiple postganglionic neurons may also influence the same target cell (convergence), integrating inputs. This arrangement allows coordinated and regulated responses across organs. Divergence and convergence are key organizational principles. source
In the urinary tract, which receptor mediates internal urethral sphincter contraction?
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor
Beta-3 adrenergic receptor
M1 muscarinic receptor
M2 muscarinic receptor
Alpha-1 receptors on the internal urethral sphincter cause contraction, aiding urine retention under sympathetic activity. Beta-3 receptors relax the detrusor muscle, and muscarinic receptors mediate bladder emptying under parasympathetic control. Understanding receptor distribution is crucial for urinary pharmacotherapy. source
Atropine blocks which receptor subtype?
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
Beta-2 adrenergic receptor
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor
Atropine is a competitive antagonist at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, inhibiting parasympathetic effects like bronchoconstriction and bradycardia. It has little effect on nicotinic receptors, which are targeted by agents like tubocurarine. Alpha and beta adrenergic receptors respond to catecholamines, not affected by atropine. source
Which of the following is an example of sympathetic cholinergic innervation?
Liver
Sweat glands
Pancreas
Heart
Eccrine sweat glands receive sympathetic cholinergic fibers that release acetylcholine to stimulate sweating. Most sympathetic targets use norepinephrine, except modified cases like adrenal medulla and some blood vessels. The heart and visceral organs use adrenergic transmission. This exception underlies thermoregulatory function. source
What is the role of ATP co-released with norepinephrine in sympathetic nerves?
Stimulates acetylcholine release
Acts as a co-transmitter causing additional vasoconstriction
Blocks adrenergic receptors
Inhibits norepinephrine release
ATP is co-released with norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve terminals and acts on purinergic receptors to potentiate vasoconstriction. It serves as a complementary neurotransmitter alongside NE. ATP does not inhibit NE release or block adrenergic receptors. Purinergic signaling adds complexity to autonomic regulation. source
Which receptor is involved in mediating renin release from the kidney?
Beta-1 adrenergic receptor
D2 dopamine receptor
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor
M3 muscarinic receptor
Beta-1 receptors on juxtaglomerular cells respond to sympathetic activation by increasing cyclic AMP, which promotes renin secretion. Alpha-1 activation constricts renal blood vessels but does not directly release renin. Muscarinic and D2 receptors are not primary regulators of renin. Beta-1 blockers reduce renin release clinically. source
Which feature distinguishes sympathetic from parasympathetic ganglia?
Sympathetic ganglia have shorter axons
They use different neurotransmitters
Parasympathetic ganglia are in the spinal cord
Sympathetic ganglia are paravertebral or prevertebral; parasympathetic are near/in target organ
Sympathetic ganglia form the paravertebral chain or prevertebral plexuses, whereas parasympathetic ganglia reside close to or within their target tissues. Both divisions use acetylcholine at preganglionic synapses and different postganglionic neurotransmitters. Sympathetic preganglionic fibers are shorter, not ganglia, and parasympathetic ganglia are not located in the spinal cord. source
Which second messenger change is induced by alpha-2 adrenergic receptor activation?
Opening of ligand-gated sodium channels
Increase in IP3 and DAG
Decrease in cAMP via Gi protein
Increase in cAMP via Gs protein
Alpha-2 receptors couple to Gi proteins, which inhibit adenylate cyclase and reduce intracellular cAMP. This mechanism leads to decreased neurotransmitter release presynaptically and varied effects postsynaptically. IP3/DAG signaling is mediated by Gq-coupled receptors, and Gs increases cAMP. Ion channels are directly gated by neurotransmitters at ionotropic receptors. source
Which mechanism explains 'vasomotor tone' maintenance in blood vessels by the sympathetic nervous system?
Intermittent bursts of parasympathetic activity
Constitutive firing of sympathetic fibers releasing norepinephrine to maintain partial constriction
Hormonal epinephrine release only
Local metabolic factors exclusively
Vasomotor tone arises from a baseline level of sympathetic nerve activity releasing norepinephrine onto vascular alpha-1 receptors, causing partial vessel constriction. This tonic discharge adjusts vascular resistance dynamically. Parasympathetic fibers have minimal direct vascular effect except in specialized beds. Hormones and local factors modulate but do not solely maintain tone. source
Which transporter is responsible for reuptake of norepinephrine into presynaptic nerve terminals?
Norepinephrine transporter (NET)
Dopamine transporter (DAT)
Vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT)
Serotonin transporter (SERT)
NET is a high-affinity transporter that clears norepinephrine from the synaptic cleft back into presynaptic terminals, regulating signal duration. VAChT loads acetylcholine into vesicles, DAT handles dopamine, and SERT recycles serotonin. Inhibitors of NET can prolong adrenergic signaling pharmacologically. source
Activation of muscarinic M1 receptors leads to which intracellular signaling cascade?
Activation of adenylate cyclase increasing cAMP
Activation of phospholipase C producing IP3 and DAG
Opening of ligand-gated sodium channels directly
Inhibition of adenylate cyclase reducing cAMP
M1 receptors couple to Gq proteins, activating phospholipase C which generates IP3 and DAG, leading to calcium release and PKC activation. Gi-coupled receptors inhibit adenylate cyclase, and Gs-coupled receptors stimulate it. Ion channel opening is typical of ionotropic receptors, not M1 muscarinic. This cascade is key in CNS and glandular function. source
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify ANS Exclusions -

    Analyze which bodily functions the autonomic nervous system controls all of the following except, enhancing your ability to spot exceptions in ANS regulation.

  2. Recall Parasympathetic Neurotransmitter -

    Recall that the parasympathetic neurotransmitter at target organs is __________ (acetylcholine), reinforcing key chemical signaling knowledge.

  3. Differentiate ANS Divisions -

    Compare sympathetic and parasympathetic functions through MCQ scenarios in our autonomic nervous system MCQ quiz.

  4. Apply Functional Knowledge -

    Apply your understanding to select correct answers for which functions the autonomic nervous system controls all the following except the specific options provided.

  5. Analyze Smooth Muscle and Gland Control -

    Analyze how smooth muscle, glands, and internal organs are regulated by the ANS to strengthen comprehension of autonomic pathways.

  6. Evaluate Quiz Performance -

    Evaluate your ANS knowledge through scored trivia, identifying areas for improvement and reinforcing your understanding of autonomic nervous system concepts.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Divisions and Primary Functions of the ANS -

    The autonomic nervous system splits into the sympathetic ("fight or flight") and parasympathetic ("rest and digest") divisions, each with distinct ganglionic origins and pathway lengths (Guyton & Hall, 2016). Understanding these roles helps explain how the body adjusts heart rate, blood flow, and digestion under different conditions. Master this division to confidently tackle quiz questions on autonomic function!

  2. Target Effectors Under ANS Control -

    The autonomic nervous system innervates smooth muscle (e.g., in blood vessels and the gut), cardiac muscle, and secretory glands, finely tuning organ function (American Physiological Society). These involuntary targets allow automatic regulation of blood pressure, digestion, and respiration without conscious effort. Keep this list handy as you review ANS pathways!

  3. Exception: Voluntary Skeletal Muscle Control -

    Unlike ANS fibers, the somatic nervous system exclusively controls skeletal muscle contraction via neuromuscular junctions using acetylcholine (Hines & Brown, 2019). Recognize that voluntary movements and reflex arcs involving skeletal muscles fall outside autonomic regulation. Remember this exception to spot the answer when asked what the ANS does not control!

  4. Parasympathetic Neurotransmitter at Target Organs -

    At parasympathetic postganglionic synapses, acetylcholine is released onto muscarinic receptors in target tissues, mediating "rest and digest" effects such as salivation, lacrimation, urination, and defecation (SLUD). A simple mnemonic - "ACh for All Cholinergic Parasymp Actions" - reinforces this exclusive neurotransmitter choice. Use the SLUD mnemonic to recall parasympathetic actions quickly on your next quiz.

  5. Cholinergic and Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes -

    Parasympathetic postganglionic fibers activate muscarinic receptor subtypes (M1 - M5) that modulate cardiac rate, smooth muscle tone, and glandular secretions via G-protein pathways, while sympathetic fibers act on α and β adrenergic receptors using norepinephrine (BRS Physiology). Mapping receptor types to responses (e.g., M2 slows heart rate) is key to understanding pharmacological targets. Quizzing yourself on receptor - response pairs is a smart way to prepare for MCQs.

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