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Ch. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology 12th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 12th EditionCh. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order FunctionsProblem 13
Chapter 16, Problem 13

The neurotransmitter at all synapses and neuromuscular or neuroglandular junctions in the parasympathetic division of the ANS is
(a) Epinephrine
(b) Norepinephrine
(c) Cyclic-AMP
(d) Acetylcholine

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It primarily uses a specific neurotransmitter to communicate at synapses and junctions with muscles and glands.
Step 2: Recall that neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another target cell, such as a muscle or gland cell.
Step 3: Identify the common neurotransmitters listed: Epinephrine and Norepinephrine are typically associated with the sympathetic division of the ANS, while Cyclic-AMP is a second messenger, not a neurotransmitter.
Step 4: Recognize that Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter released at all parasympathetic synapses and neuromuscular or neuroglandular junctions, facilitating parasympathetic responses.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct neurotransmitter for the parasympathetic division is Acetylcholine, based on its role in transmitting parasympathetic signals.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Parasympathetic Division of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The parasympathetic division is one branch of the ANS responsible for 'rest and digest' functions. It conserves energy by slowing the heart rate and promoting digestion. Understanding its role helps identify the neurotransmitters involved in its signaling pathways.
Recommended video:
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Divisions of the ANS

Neurotransmitters in the Autonomic Nervous System

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses. In the ANS, different divisions use specific neurotransmitters to communicate with target organs. Recognizing which neurotransmitter is used by the parasympathetic division is key to answering the question.
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Somatic vs. Autonomic Nervous System

Acetylcholine as the Primary Parasympathetic Neurotransmitter

Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter released at all parasympathetic synapses and neuromuscular or neuroglandular junctions. It binds to cholinergic receptors to mediate parasympathetic effects, distinguishing it from sympathetic neurotransmitters like norepinephrine.
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Neurotransmitters of the ANS
Related Practice
Textbook Question

What physiological activities distinguish non-REM sleep from REM sleep?

Textbook Question

All preganglionic autonomic fibers release______at their axon terminals, and the effects are always_____ .

(a) norepinephrine, inhibitory

(b) norepinephrine, excitatory

(c) acetylcholine, excitatory

(d) acetylcholine, inhibitory

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Textbook Question

What anatomical and functional changes in the brain are linked to alterations that occur with aging?

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Textbook Question

Which three collateral ganglia serve as origins for ganglionic neurons that innervate organs or tissues in the abdominopelvic region?

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Textbook Question

How does the emergence of sympathetic fibers from the spinal cord differ from the emergence of parasympathetic fibers?

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Textbook Question

What two distinctive results are produced by the stimulation of sympathetic ganglionic neurons?

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