Question
Regarding the sympathetic pathway... Which neurotransmitter is released by preganglionic neurons? Which neurotransmitter is released by postganglionic neurons? To what types of receptors do these neurotransmitters bind? What is the effect of the neurotransmitter on the target cells? Choose the appropriate key terms from the following list: ACh, NE, nicotinic, muscarinic, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2, excitatory, inhibitory.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In the sympathetic nervous system:
1. **Preganglionic neurons** release the neurotransmitter **ACh** (acetylcholine).
2. **Postganglionic neurons** release the neurotransmitter **NE** (norepinephrine).
The neurotransmitter binding occurs as follows:
- **ACh** released by preganglionic neurons binds to **nicotinic** receptors on postganglionic neurons, which generally has an **excitatory** effect on those neurons.
- **NE** released by postganglionic neurons binds to **alpha-1**, **alpha-2**, **beta-1**, and **beta-2** adrenergic receptors on target cells, with effects that can be either **excitatory** or **inhibitory** depending on the specific receptor and the target tissue.
Overall, the sympathetic nervous system's activation tends to prepare the body for "fight or flight" responses, affecting various systems in ways that facilitate increased alertness, energy availability, and physiological readiness.
1. **Preganglionic neurons** release the neurotransmitter **ACh** (acetylcholine).
2. **Postganglionic neurons** release the neurotransmitter **NE** (norepinephrine).
The neurotransmitter binding occurs as follows:
- **ACh** released by preganglionic neurons binds to **nicotinic** receptors on postganglionic neurons, which generally has an **excitatory** effect on those neurons.
- **NE** released by postganglionic neurons binds to **alpha-1**, **alpha-2**, **beta-1**, and **beta-2** adrenergic receptors on target cells, with effects that can be either **excitatory** or **inhibitory** depending on the specific receptor and the target tissue.
Overall, the sympathetic nervous system's activation tends to prepare the body for "fight or flight" responses, affecting various systems in ways that facilitate increased alertness, energy availability, and physiological readiness.