ATI RN
Test Questions on Autonomic Nervous System MCAT Questions
Question 1 of 5
One reason for the division of the ANS is that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ANS divides into sympathetic and parasympathetic due to their typically opposing effects (e.g., heart rate up vs. down). Both use two neurons; abdominal organs have dual innervation.
Question 2 of 5
A ganglion is an aggregate of nerve cell bodies:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the CNS (e.g., sympathetic chain). Inside CNS, they’re called nuclei.
Question 3 of 5
Inability to walk a straight line may indicate damage to which cranial nerve?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII) mediates balance; damage causes ataxia (e.g., staggering gait). Others affect eye movement or tongue.
Question 4 of 5
Depolarization of the membrane of a nerve cell occurs by the rapid influx of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Depolarization results from sodium (Na⁺) influx through voltage-gated channels during an action potential. Potassium (K⁺) efflux repolarizes, chloride and anions maintain resting state.
Question 5 of 5
The interior surface of the membrane of a nonconducting neuron differs from the exterior surface in that it is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: At rest, the interior is negatively charged (~-70 mV) with less Na⁺ and more K⁺ compared to the exterior (positive, high Na⁺), due to the sodium-potassium pump.