Autonomic Nervous System MCQ Quiz | Neurophysiology

Welcome to the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Quiz for MBBS students. This quiz is designed to test your understanding of the intricate workings of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, a cornerstone of Neurophysiology. You’ll face 25 challenging multiple-choice questions covering key concepts from receptor pharmacology and neurotransmitter pathways to the ANS’s role in organ regulation and its clinical implications. This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your learning, identify areas for improvement, and prepare for your examinations. After submitting your answers, you’ll receive your score and see a detailed breakdown of correct and incorrect responses. For your revision, you can also download a PDF copy of all questions with their correct answers. Good luck!

1. Which neurotransmitter is released by postganglionic parasympathetic neurons?

2. The cell bodies of preganglionic sympathetic neurons are located in which region of the spinal cord?

3. Activation of which adrenergic receptor leads to increased heart rate and contractility?

4. Horner’s syndrome, characterized by ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis, results from a lesion in which pathway?

5. The receptor type found in all autonomic ganglia (both sympathetic and parasympathetic) is:

6. A notable exception to the rule of sympathetic postganglionic neurons releasing norepinephrine is the innervation of:

7. Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist. Which of the following effects would be expected after its administration?

8. The adrenal medulla is functionally most similar to:

9. Which cranial nerve carries parasympathetic fibers that control the lacrimal and submandibular glands?

10. A patient is given an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist. What is the most likely cardiovascular side effect?

11. Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system causes which effect on the gastrointestinal tract?

12. The baroreceptor reflex, in response to high blood pressure, leads to:

13. The primary center for autonomic integration in the central nervous system is the:

14. Which of the following is responsible for pupillary constriction (miosis)?

15. A patient with a hypotonic bladder and urinary retention could be treated with a drug that acts as a:

16. The “fight or flight” response is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:

17. A pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that leads to excess secretion of:

18. The ciliary muscle, which controls the shape of the lens for accommodation, is innervated by:

19. In the male reproductive system, which of the following is correct?

20. Vagal stimulation (CN X) has what effect on the heart?

21. Phenylephrine is a selective alpha-1 agonist. What is its main therapeutic use?

22. Long preganglionic fibers and short postganglionic fibers are characteristic of the:

23. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, primarily work by:

24. The craniosacral division is another name for the:

25. Which receptor is primarily responsible for vasodilation in skeletal muscle blood vessels and bronchodilation?