Final answer:
Autonomic synapses involve the release of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine or norepinephrine that bind to target cell receptors, whereas electrical synapses allow for instant and sometimes bidirectional signal transfer. Autonomic neurotransmitters can also act as hormones and feature varicosities for extensive network connections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The steps of an autonomic synapse involve the generation of an action potential in the pre-synaptic neuron which leads to the release of a signaling molecule, such as acetylcholine or norepinephrine, that binds to receptors on the target cell. This process is slower and unidirectional compared to the direct signal transfer of electrical synapses, which makes chemical synapses different in the way they propagate the action potential. In the autonomic nervous system, neurotransmitters may also function as hormones depending on their release location, and the synapses can display varicosities, providing a network of connections within the target tissue. Chemical synapses witness a delay due to the need for neurotransmitter release from synaptic vesicles. Electrical synapses, however, are almost instantaneous and can be bidirectional, allowing for a more reliable and synchronized transmission of action potentials across neurons. These differences are critical for understanding the distinctive functioning of synapses in various parts of the nervous system.