Question

multiple choice question

the varicosities of the autonomic neurons that innervate smooth muscle release what when stimulated?

sodium ions
neurotransmitters
calcium ions
creatine phosphates

Explanation:

Identify the function of autonomic varicosities

Using the Autonomic Varicosities and Smooth Muscle Innervation knowledge points

• Autonomic nerve fibers innervating smooth muscle do not form highly localized neuromuscular junctions.
• Instead, they have periodic swellings called varicosities along their terminal branches.
• These varicosities contain synaptic vesicles that store and release chemical messengers.

Determine the released substance

Using the Autonomic Varicosities knowledge point

• When an action potential travels down the autonomic axon, it stimulates the varicosities.
• This stimulation triggers the exocytosis of neurotransmitters (such as acetylcholine or norepinephrine) into the diffuse junctional cleft to stimulate or inhibit the underlying smooth muscle cells.

Answer:

• Sodium ions
• Neurotransmitters (Correct answer)
• Calcium ions
• Creatine phosphates