Question

Which set of details correctly identifies a series of events in a sympathetic pathway?

thoracolumbar origin, long preganglionic fiber, NE release at ganglion, short postganglionic fiber, NE release at effector
craniosacral origin, short preganglionic fiber, ACh release at ganglion, long postganglionic fiber, ACh release at effector
thoracolumbar origin, short preganglionic fiber, ACh release at ganglion, long postganglionic fiber, NE release at effector
craniosacral origin, long preganglionic fiber, ACh release at ganglion, short postganglionic fiber, ACh release at effector

Answer 1

The correct answer is thoracolumbar origin, short preganglionic fiber, ACh release at ganglion, long postganglionic fiber, NE release at effector.

The sympathetic system consists of short pre-ganglionic and long post-ganglionic neurons. Preganglionic neurons originate from the thoracolumbar region of the spinal cord travel to a ganglion where they synapse with a long postganglionic neuron. Preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine and postganglionic release norepinephrine, which activates adrenergic receptors on target tissues.