preganglionaarse

Preganglionic refers to a neuron in the autonomic nervous system whose cell body is located within the central nervous system, typically in the brainstem or spinal cord, and whose axon extends out to an autonomic ganglion. These preganglionic neurons synapse with postganglionic neurons within the autonomic ganglion. The neurotransmitter released by preganglionic neurons at the ganglion is typically acetylcholine, which acts on nicotinic receptors on the postganglionic neuron. The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, and both utilize preganglionic neurons. In the sympathetic division, preganglionic neuron cell bodies are located in the thoracic and lumbar segments of the spinal cord, and their axons often travel through the sympathetic trunk ganglia or prevertebral ganglia. In the parasympathetic division, preganglionic neuron cell bodies are found in the brainstem and the sacral segments of the spinal cord, with their axons extending to ganglia located near or within the target organs. The length of preganglionic axons varies between the two divisions; parasympathetic preganglionic axons are generally longer than sympathetic preganglionic axons. This arrangement allows for the modulation of various involuntary bodily functions.