Question

Explain how nerve impulse transmission in the autonomic nervous system is different from that of the central nervous system.

Answer 1

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary actions of the nervous system. it conducts impulses from the central nervous system and transmits it to glands, smooth muscles and cardiac muscles.

The autonomic nervous system releases certain neurotransmitter as chemical messengers like norepinephrine and acetylcholine. acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter used by all pre-synaptic neurons and some sympathetic postsynaptic neurons and postsynaptic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system in the autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system conducts impulse from the central nervous system and divided into the sympathetic and nonsympathetic nervous system. these two systems play an important role to maintain homeostasis within the body.

The neurotransmitter norepinephrine released by sympathetic and acetylcholine by parasympathetic conducts the nerve signals across the gap in between nerves, cells or organs. these neurotransmitters then attach to the receptor site of the target organ.this is the function of the autonomic nervous system.

the sympathetic nervous system starts from thoracic and lumbar areas and parasympathetic nervous system at cranial nerves and sacral spinal cord.

neuron transmission

neurons generate and propagate through the exchange of Na+/K+ across the axon. neurotransmitter transmit signals across the synapse which stimulate another effector cell or neuron.