Chapter 15.7, Problem 24LO

Summary Introduction

To describe: The antagonistic and cooperative effects of dual innervation.

Concept introduction: Autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a functional division of the peripheral nervous system. It consists of two autonomic neurons in the efferent pathway, namely preganglionic neurons and postganglionic neurons. Most the effectors of the ANS are innerved by the postganglionic axons from both the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This is termed as dual innervation. There are various effectors that possess dual innervation. The actions of both the divisions on a single organ can result in either antagonistic or cooperative effects.