In autonomic nervous system, preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine at the ganglion in which divisions?

In autonomic nervous system, preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine at the ganglion in which divisions?

• A. Both SNS and PSNS
• B. Only SNS
• C. Only PSNS
• D. Neither

Answer: (A)

In the autonomic nervous system, the first neuron (preganglionic) is cholinergic in both divisions, meaning it releases acetylcholine at the ganglion. This acetylcholine binds to nicotinic receptors on the postganglionic neuron, triggering its activation and continuation of the signal to the target organ. The key point is that this cholinergic step at the ganglion occurs in both sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways. After the ganglion, the neurotransmitter released by the postganglionic neuron differs by division—typically norepinephrine in the sympathetic system (with some exceptions, like sweat glands where acetylcholine is used) and acetylcholine in the parasympathetic system—leading to their distinct physiological effects.

In the autonomic nervous system, the first neuron (preganglionic) is cholinergic in both divisions, meaning it releases acetylcholine at the ganglion. This acetylcholine binds to nicotinic receptors on the postganglionic neuron, triggering its activation and continuation of the signal to the target organ. The key point is that this cholinergic step at the ganglion occurs in both sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways. After the ganglion, the neurotransmitter released by the postganglionic neuron differs by division—typically norepinephrine in the sympathetic system (with some exceptions, like sweat glands where acetylcholine is used) and acetylcholine in the parasympathetic system—leading to their distinct physiological effects.