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Parasympathetic nervous system Quiz
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The parasympathetic nervous system governs the body's "rest or digest" state, controlling digestion, defecation, and diuresis through its cranial and sacral divisions. This practice quiz covers the key cranial nerves involved, from the oculomotor nerve's role in pupil constriction to the vagus nerve carrying 75% of all parasympathetic fibers. Questions also address how the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems compare, from salivary secretion to cardiac effects.
28 questions
1
What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system during the "rest or digest" state?
2
The parasympathetic nervous system is also referred to as the 'D' division. What do these 'D's represent?
3
Which of the following are the two main divisions of the parasympathetic nervous system distribution?
4
Which cranial nerve is responsible for the constriction of the pupil (miosis) and accommodation for near vision?
5
During accommodation for near vision, what happens to the ciliary muscle and the lens under parasympathetic stimulation?
6
Which cranial nerve arises from the superior salivary nucleus and innervates the sublingual and submandibular salivary glands?
7
What type of taste sensation does the Glossopharyngeal Nerve (IX N) provide from the posterior third of the tongue?
8
The true salivary secretion produced by parasympathetic stimulation is described as profuse and watery, with little in the way of what?
9
Which cranial nerve constitutes the largest portion (75%) of parasympathetic fibers in the body?
10
Vagus stimulation of the heart primarily leads to:
11
What is 'vagus escape' in the context of the heart's response to vagus stimulation?
12
Parasympathetic stimulation via the vagus nerve causes which effect on the lungs?
13
How does vagus stimulation affect the walls and sphincters of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT)?
14
Parasympathetic stimulation promotes which two key digestive processes related to food?
15
What action does vagus stimulation have on the gallbladder to facilitate its evacuation?
16
Which of the following is NOT an organ or gland that the vagus nerve stimulates for secretion?
17
What effect does vagus stimulation have on the liver regarding blood flow?
18
The sacral parasympathetic outflow originates from which sacral segments?
19
What is the primary action of parasympathetic stimulation on the urinary bladder and internal urethral sphincter during micturition?
20
Parasympathetic stimulation of the rectum and descending colon, along with relaxation of the internal anal sphincter, results in:
21
Which glands are stimulated by parasympathetic fibers from the sacral outflow to produce secretions?
22
Parasympathetic stimulation causes vasodilation in the erectile tissues of the penis and clitoris, leading to:
23
The relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is often described as:
24
In the case of salivary secretion, how do the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems differ?
25
Which of the following structures is supplied by the sympathetic nervous system alone?
26
Which of the following structures is supplied by the sympathetic nervous system alone?
27
The adrenal medulla is listed as a structure supplied by the sympathetic nervous system alone. What is its primary function in this context?
28
Which of the following is a structure supplied by the parasympathetic nervous system exclusively?
0 of 28 answered
Frequently Asked Questions About Parasympathetic nervous system Quiz
What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system?
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for 'fight or flight' by mobilizing energy, increasing heart rate, and dilating the pupils. The parasympathetic nervous system does the opposite during 'rest or digest', slowing the heart, promoting digestion, and constricting the pupils. Their relationship is usually antagonistic, though sometimes synergistic, as seen with salivary glands where each system produces a different type of secretion.
What are the two main divisions of the parasympathetic nervous system?
The parasympathetic nervous system is distributed through two main divisions: the cranial division and the sacral parasympathetic outflow. The cranial division includes several cranial nerves such as the oculomotor (III), facial (VII), glossopharyngeal (IX), and vagus (X). The sacral outflow originates from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th sacral segments.
How does the vagus nerve relate to the parasympathetic nervous system?
The vagus nerve is the 10th cranial nerve and carries approximately 75% of all parasympathetic fibers in the body. It influences a wide range of organs, including the heart (slowing rate and reducing contractility), the lungs (causing bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion), and most of the gastrointestinal tract (contracting walls and relaxing sphincters). It also stimulates secretion from the stomach, pancreas, and liver.
How to activate the parasympathetic nervous system?
The parasympathetic nervous system is activated naturally during rest, digestion, and low-stress states. Its stimulation produces effects like decreased heart rate, increased gut motility, bronchial constriction, and increased glandular secretion. Understanding its anatomy, particularly the cranial and sacral outflows that drive these responses, helps clarify why practices promoting relaxation shift the body into this state.
What is 'vagus escape' in cardiac physiology?
Vagus escape refers to the phenomenon where the ventricles of the heart continue to beat even when strong vagal stimulation inhibits the atria. This occurs because the vagus nerve does not directly supply the ventricles, so ventricular contractions persist independently. It is one reason the heart does not stop entirely under parasympathetic stimulation.
Which structures are supplied by the parasympathetic nervous system only, and which are sympathetic only?
The constrictor pupillae muscle is supplied exclusively by the parasympathetic nervous system. In contrast, the dilator pupillae muscle, the adrenal medulla, and the ventricles of the heart are supplied by the sympathetic system alone. Most other organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract and salivary glands, receive input from both systems.
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