Question

You find a neuron that is releasing norepinephrine onto an adrenergic receptor on its target cell. When you trace the axon back to the spinal cord, you see that it is part of the nerve coming from the lumbar region. Based on its anatomy, you should classify this neuron as __________________.

Answer 1

The neuron releasing norepinephrine onto an adrenergic receptor in the lumbar region is a preganglionic sympathetic neuron.

Step-by-step explanation:

The neuron that is releasing norepinephrine onto an adrenergic receptor on its target cell and is traced back to the lumbar region of the spinal cord can be classified as a preganglionic sympathetic neuron.

These neurons are part of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system and originate from the lateral horn of the thoracolumbar spinal cord. They release acetylcholine (ACh) onto postganglionic neurons in sympathetic ganglia, which then release norepinephrine onto target organs.

This leads to a broad, divergent response known as the sympathetic response, which includes changes in the physiology of organs in response to stress or danger.