Acetylcholine
A) binds to cholinergic receptors on preganglionic neurons
B) destroys acetylcholinesterase
C) binds to muscarinic receptors
D) is released from all postganglionic neurons
E) all of these, except destroys acetylcholinesterase

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine binds to muscarinic receptors, which are a type of cholinergic receptor found on target organs innervated by the parasympathetic nervous system. Acetylcholine does not destroy acetylcholinesterase, which is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine to terminate its action. While acetylcholine is released from all postganglionic neurons in the parasympathetic nervous system, it is not true for all postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic nervous system. And while acetylcholine does bind to cholinergic receptors on preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, this is not the best choice as it is not specific to acetylcholine's function in the autonomic nervous system.