Which nerve fibers innervate eccrine sweat glands, and what neurotransmitter do they release?

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Study for the Physiology of Heat and Cold Test with insightful flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which nerve fibers innervate eccrine sweat glands, and what neurotransmitter do they release?

Explanation:
Eccrine sweat glands are controlled by sympathetic nerve fibers that release acetylcholine, not norepinephrine. This sympathetic cholinergic signaling stimulates sweating by acting on muscarinic receptors on the gland cells. The flow is: preganglionic sympathetic neurons release ACh onto nicotinic receptors of the postganglionic neuron, which then releases ACh onto muscarinic receptors of the eccrine gland to trigger secretion. This cholinergic sympathetic pathway is why sweating dissipates heat effectively, distinguishing eccrine control from the mostly adrenergic control of other sympathetic targets.

Eccrine sweat glands are controlled by sympathetic nerve fibers that release acetylcholine, not norepinephrine. This sympathetic cholinergic signaling stimulates sweating by acting on muscarinic receptors on the gland cells. The flow is: preganglionic sympathetic neurons release ACh onto nicotinic receptors of the postganglionic neuron, which then releases ACh onto muscarinic receptors of the eccrine gland to trigger secretion. This cholinergic sympathetic pathway is why sweating dissipates heat effectively, distinguishing eccrine control from the mostly adrenergic control of other sympathetic targets.

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