The figure below shows an example of one type of chemical synapse. In the ANS this synapse is likely to use as transmitter

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The question asks about the transmitter used at a chemical synapse in the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

Option analysis:
- If Option a proposed acetylcholine (ACh) only: ACh is the transmitter for parasympathetic postganglionic terminals and for autonomic ganglia, but not universally for all ANS effector synapses. In many sympathetic effector organs, norepinephrine (NA or NE) is the transmitter. Therefore, listing ACh alone would be incomplete in the ANS context.
- If Option b proposed norepinephrine (NE or NA) only: NE is the primary transmitter at most sympathetic postganglionic synapses on targets like smooth muscle, but parasympathetic terminals and some sympathetic pathways (e.g., sweat glands) use ACh. Hence NE alone is not universally correct for all ANS chemical synapses.
- If Option c proposed another transmitter (e.g., dopamine, or a neurotransmitter not typically used broadly in ANS): This would generally be inaccurate for the classic autonomic postganglionic synapses, which rely on ACh or NE depending on the branch and tissue.
- If Option d proposed both ACh or NA (ACh or NE) as possible transmitters: This aligns with the well-established fact that the ANS employs different transmitters depending on the specific pathway and target: parasympathetic postganglionic fibers release ACh; sympathetic postganglionic fibers primarily release NE, though sympathetic cholinergic fibers exist (e.g., regarding sweat glands) that release ACh. Sweat gland innervation is a classic exception where ACh is released by sympathetic fibers.

Why the mixed answer makes sense: In autonomic wiring, transmitter usage is context-dependent. The figure showing a chemical synapse in the ANS could represent a typical sympathetic postganglionic junction or a parasympathetic one depending on the tissue depicted. Because both ACh and NE are used somewhere in the ANS, specifying a single transmitter would be too restrictive. Therefore, acknowledging that the transmitter could be ACh or NE covers the main cases and common exceptions.

In summary, the rationale is that the ANS uses two primary transmitters—ACh and NE—with their usage depending on the specific branch (parasympathetic vs sympathetic) and the target tissue. The statement that the transmitter could be ACh or NE captures this variability and is consistent with established autonomic physiology.

PHY2011 S1 2025 Topic 5C ANS control systems (Do I understand the content? Practise Quiz)

The figure below shows an example of one type of chemical synapse. In the ANS this synapse is likely to use as transmitter

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