Postganglionic nerve fibers

Postganglionic nerve fibers (pronunciation: post-gang-glee-on-ic nerve fibers) are the autonomic nerve fibers that originate from the ganglion and extend to the effector organ. They are a crucial part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as heart rate, digestion, and salivation.

Etymology

The term "postganglionic" is derived from the Latin words "post" meaning "after", and "ganglion" meaning "a mass of nerve tissue". The term "nerve fibers" refers to the long threadlike part of a nerve cell along which impulses are conducted.

Function

Postganglionic nerve fibers carry signals from the ganglion to the effector organ. They are involved in the transmission of signals in the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. In the sympathetic nervous system, these fibers release norepinephrine as a neurotransmitter, while in the parasympathetic nervous system, they release acetylcholine.

Related Terms

Preganglionic nerve fibers: These are the nerve fibers that run from the central nervous system to the ganglion.
Autonomic ganglion: This is a cluster of nerve cells in the autonomic nervous system where the synapse between the preganglionic and postganglionic nerve fibers occurs.
Neurotransmitter: This is a chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and, by diffusing across the synapse or junction, causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure.