parasympathetic nervous system

Introduction

Also see autonomic nervous system. Presynaptic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system have their cell bodies in brainstem nuclei or in the lateral column of S2-S4 of the spinal cord. Parasympathetic ganglia lie either near the organ innervated or as intramural ganglia within the organ itself, except in the head. In the head, there are 4 discrete parasympathetic ganglia:

• ciliary ganglion
• otic ganglion
• pterygopalatine ganglion
• submandibular ganglion Postsynaptic (postganglionic) neurons typically use acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter.

More general terms

• autonomic nervous system

Additional terms

• parasympatholytic (anticholinergic, antimuscarinic agent)
• parasympathomimetic (cholinergic agent)