Question

If a target cell's receptor is (use items in left column), the neuron(s) releasing neurotransmitter onto the receptor must be (use all appropriate items from the right column).

a nicotinic cholinergic

b adrenergic α

c muscarinic cholinergic

d adrenergic β







1somatic motor neuron

2autonomic preganglionic neuron

3sympathetic postganglionic neuron

4parasympathetic postganglionic neuron

Answer 1

The neurons that release neurotransmitters onto various cell receptors include autonomic preganglionic neurons and somatic motor neurons for nicotinic cholinergic receptors, sympathetic postganglionic neurons for adrenergic α and adrenergic β1 receptors, and parasympathetic postganglionic neurons for muscarinic cholinergic receptors.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine what type of neuron is releasing neurotransmitter onto a target cell's receptor, we must understand the types of receptors and the neurotransmitters that bind to them. Below are the matching types of neurons for each receptor:

• Nicotinic cholinergic receptors - These are activated by acetylcholine (ACh) released from autonomic preganglionic neurons (both sympathetic and parasympathetic) and by somatic motor neurons.

• Adrenergic α receptors - These are activated by norepinephrine, which is released from sympathetic postganglionic neurons.

• Muscarinic cholinergic receptors - These are activated by ACh released from parasympathetic postganglionic neurons.

• Adrenergic β1 receptors - Similar to adrenergic α receptors, these are also activated by norepinephrine from sympathetic postganglionic neurons.