Cholinergic and Adrenergic Neurotransmitter Systems (Nursing)

00:01 Now let's switch gears and talk a little bit about the neurotransmitters and the receptors associated with the autonomic nervous system.

00:10 Based on the neurotransmitter that they produce and release or accept, autonomic neurons and receptors are considered either cholinergic or adrenergic.

00:22 Cholinergic neurons are going to be neurons that release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from their axon terminals.

00:32 Adrenergic neurons however are going to release norepinephrine.

00:39 On the receptor side, we also have cholinergic and adrenergic receptors.

00:46 These are found on the postganglionic neuron as well as on the effector.

00:52 Cholinergic receptors include nicotinic receptors which are bound by nicotine and muscarinic receptors which are bound by muscarine.

01:03 Both of these cholinergic receptors are also able to be bound by acetylcholine which is a very important neurotransmitter for nerve impulses.

01:15 All preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine.

01:20 So that means all postganglionic neurons must have cholinergic receptors.

01:27 Adrenergic receptors are going to be receptors that accept norepinephrine.

01:33 This can be found on several blood vessels as well as other organs in the body.