Postganglionaarsete

Postganglionaarsete refers to nerve fibers that originate from a ganglion and extend to an effector organ, such as a muscle or gland. These fibers are part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. The autonomic nervous system is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. Both systems utilize postganglionic neurons to transmit signals from their respective ganglia to target organs.

In the sympathetic nervous system, postganglionic neurons release norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that typically prepares the body for action, such as increasing heart rate and blood pressure. The ganglia for the sympathetic nervous system are located close to the spinal cord. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system's postganglionic neurons generally release acetylcholine, which tends to have a calming effect, slowing heart rate and aiding digestion. The ganglia for the parasympathetic nervous system are usually situated near or within the target organs. The distinction between these two systems and their respective postganglionic neurons is crucial for understanding the regulation of many physiological processes.