Postganglionic nerve fibers

Postganglionic nerve fibers are the nerves that extend from the ganglion to the effector organ in the autonomic nervous system. They are part of the two-neuron chain that makes up the autonomic nervous system. The first neuron in this chain is referred to as the preganglionic neuron, and the second is the postganglionic neuron.

Function

Postganglionic nerve fibers carry signals from the ganglion to the effector organ. These signals are responsible for controlling various involuntary functions in the body, such as heart rate, digestion, and salivation.

Types

There are two types of postganglionic nerve fibers: sympathetic and parasympathetic.

Sympathetic

Sympathetic postganglionic nerve fibers are responsible for the body's fight or flight response. They release norepinephrine as their primary neurotransmitter.

Parasympathetic

Parasympathetic postganglionic nerve fibers are responsible for the body's rest and digest response. They release acetylcholine as their primary neurotransmitter.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in postganglionic nerve fibers can lead to a variety of medical conditions. For example, damage to these fibers can result in autonomic neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves in your heart, digestive system, and other organs.

See also

• Preganglionic nerve fibers
• Autonomic nervous system
• Sympathetic nervous system
• Parasympathetic nervous system

References

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  Diagram of the autonomic nervous system showing postganglionic nerve fibers

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  Chemical structure of Acetylcholine

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  Chemical structure of Noradrenaline