Week 1 APPROVED NOTES QUESTIONS WITH ANSERS LATEST UPDATE

1. A patient expresses feeling dizzy when standing, nauseated when eating, and
having difficulty with emptying their bladder. You want to run some tests to
determine if they are suffering from: autonomic neuropathy
2. Where is a postganglionic cell located? The cell body is located in the ganglion; the
axon comes after the ganglion
3. If a medication were able to selectively block nicotinic receptors on sympathetic
postganglionic neurons, it would: inhibit stimulation of sympathetic postganglionic
receptors.
4. An accident destroyed the sympathetic ganglion housing the neurons that innervate
David's heart. However, during exercise, his heart rate and blood pressure increase
normally. This occurs because: the adrenal medulla remains undamaged and can
secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream to stimulate the heart.
5. The preganglionic and postganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic divisions
secrete the neurotransmitter ACh. Drugs that stimulate ACh release will: enhance the
effects of the parasympathetic division, such as excessive drooling, diarrhea, and poor
distance vision.
6. Why do individuals who suffer from brainstem injuries have difficulty with their
autonomic functions? The brainstem contains the autonomic centers and the cell
bodies of many parasympathetic neurons that regulate autonomic responses.
7. Your 14-year-old son suffers from asthma. The condition usually worsens in the early
spring when the plants are pollinating. He carries a rescue inhaler to help him when
he starts to have trouble breathing. The active ingredient in the inhaler is albuterol,
which is a beta-2 agonist. Why would albuterol be a good choice as a rescue
medication? What is its mechanism? A beta-2 agonist will bind to beta-2 receptors and
mimic the sympathetic nervous system actions on the bronchioles.
8. A close family friend, Doug, has recently decided to quit smoking (after two packs
a day for 20 years). He started using varenicline (Chantix) to help reduce his nicotine
cravings. Chantix is a nicotinic agonist. On a recent stressful day, he stopped by the
drug store, picked up some nicotine gum, and found himself chewing several pieces
(chain chewing the gum). He starts to feel nauseated and dizzy and notices that he
is drooling slightly, as his saliva is increasing. He can feel his heart pounding in his
chest, and his leg muscles are starting to cramp. Why would Chantix help relieve
cravings for cigarettes? Why is he feeling nauseated and drooling with an increased
heart rate? Chantix mimics the effects of nicotine, which decreases the
urge for a cigarette. Nicotinic receptors are found in all autonomic ganglia and, when
stimulated, are excitatory. Nicotine binds to these receptors, which then stimulates the
postganglionic neurons of both the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions. This
would increase their effects on the body.
9. Susan suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and has repeated bouts of
diarrhea. Her doctor has recommended Loperamide (Imodium) to help reduce the
diarrhea. Loperamide inhibits the release of acetylcholine. Why would this drug be
helpful in reducing the occurrence of diarrhea? Acetylcholine is the main
neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is excitatory on the
digestive system. Decreasing acetylcholine will decrease its activation, slow down muscle
contractions in the digestive system, and help alleviate diarrhea.
10.Which of the following levels of ANS activity could produce JD's bradycardia?
Increased parasympathetic activation and decreased sympathetic activation.