Some target organs receive both sympathetic and parasympathetic inputs from postganglionic neurons, which have opposite effects on the activity of that organ.Which of the following statements best explains this phenomenon?
A) The target cells respond differently to afferent nerves than they do to efferent nerves.
B) Acetylcholine has a stimulating effect on target cells, and norepinephrine has an inhibitory effect on them.
C) When the fight-or-flight response wears off, the "rest and digest" response is activated.
D) The target organ will respond to whichever division has the most receptors.
E) The target cells respond in one way to acetylcholine and in the opposite way to norepinephrine.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The target cells have different receptors for acetylcholine and norepinephrine, with acetylcholine typically having a stimulating effect and norepinephrine typically having an inhibitory effect on the activity of the target organ. Therefore, the opposite effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic inputs on the target organ are due to the different receptors that respond to these neurotransmitters.

Some Target Organs Receive Both Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Inputs from Postganglionic