AEMCA Practice Exam

Which neurotransmitters are responsible for sympathetic activity?

1. Serotonin and Dopamine

2. Acetylcholine and GABA

3. Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

4. Glutamate and Glycine

The correct answer is: Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

The correct choice highlights the role of epinephrine and norepinephrine as the primary neurotransmitters responsible for sympathetic activity. In the context of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic division, these neurotransmitters facilitate the body's "fight or flight" response. Epinephrine, often referred to as adrenaline, and norepinephrine, known as noradrenaline, are released from the adrenal medulla and sympathetic nerve endings. Their actions lead to various physiological changes such as increased heart rate, dilated air passages, and the redirecting of blood flow to essential organs and muscles. This prepares the body for rapid action, making them essential for the sympathetic nervous system's function. The other options present neurotransmitters that do not primarily mediate sympathetic activity. Serotonin and dopamine are mainly associated with mood regulation and reward pathways in the brain. Acetylcholine is primarily involved in parasympathetic activity and neuromuscular junction transmission, while GABA acts as a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Glutamate serves as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and glycine also has a primarily inhibitory role, particularly in the spinal cord. None of these play a central role in the