Which of the following accurately describes the mechanism of how the sympathetic nervous system operates to release the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine into the blood?
A) The post-ganglionic axon leaves the ganglion and targets the chromaffin cells, which then release the hormones directly.
B) The pre-ganglionic axon synapses immediately with the chromaffin cells, which then release the hormones directly.
C) The pre-ganglionic axon synapses immediately with the chromaffin cells which then synapse with the adrenal medulla to release the hormones.
D) The post-ganglionic axon leaves the chain ganglion and target the chromaffin cells which then synapse with the adrenal medulla to release the hormones.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pre-ganglionic axon synapses directly with the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla, which are modified post-ganglionic neurons. These cells then release epinephrine and norepinephrine directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the need for a post-ganglionic neuron.

Which of the Following Accurately Describes the Mechanism of How