Question

Which are characteristics of neurons in the sympathetic nervous system? (Select all that apply.)

A) Preganglionic neurons terminate in ganglia in the head as well as the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
B) Postganglionic neurons have axons which extend to spinal or autonomic nerves
and ferminate in visceral effectors
C) Preganglionic neurons extend to collateral ghalia before synapsing with postganglionic neurons.

Answer 1

The characteristics of neurons in the sympathetic nervous system include termination of preganglionic neurons in various ganglia and the presence of axons in various nerves that innervate visceral effectors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristics of neurons in the sympathetic nervous system are:

• Preganglionic neurons terminate in ganglia in the head as well as the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
• Postganglionic neurons have axons which extend to spinal or autonomic nerves and terminate in visceral effectors.
• Preganglionic neurons extend to collateral ganglia before synapsing with postganglionic neurons.

Preganglionic neurons in the sympathetic nervous system origin from the lateral horn of the thoracolumbar spinal cord and are myelinated, short fibers, releasing acetylcholine (ACh) onto postganglionic neurons within sympathetic ganglia. These ganglia form a chain extending alongside the spinal cord or prevertebral ganglia. Postganglionic neurons, which are long and unmyelinated, release norepinephrine onto target organs, except for those that innervate sweat glands and blood vessels in skeletal muscles, which release ACh onto muscarinic receptors.