Sympathetic neuron

Sympathetic neurons are efferent autonomic neurons that mediate the body's fight-or-flight responses, regulating functions such as heart rate, blood vessel constriction, and glandular activity. They originate in the thoracolumbar spinal cord (T1-L2/L3), and are divided into preganglionic (myelinated, cholinergic) and postganglionic (mostly unmyelinated, noradrenergic) subtypes, with additional diversity regarding size, morphology, and neurotransmitter use. Sympathetic neurons signal through release of neurotransmitters (primarily norepinephrine and, in select cases, acetylcholine or dopamine), which activate target tissue receptors to affect organ function. Molecular profiles and roles of sympathetic neuron subtypes continue to be elucidated through single-cell transcriptomic and electrophysiological studies[1][2][3][6][8].

Other names

sympathetic ganglionic neuronpostganglionic sympathetic neuronpreganglionic sympathetic neuron

Modulation of neurotransmitter synthesis, storage, or release (e.g., reserpine, cocaine, amphetamines); Receptor agonism or antagonism (adrenergic and cholinergic receptors); Inhibition of action potential generation (ganglionic blockers)