How Do Autonomic Functions Manifest at the Cellular Level?
At the cellular level, autonomic functions are executed through the interaction between neurons and target tissues. For example, in smooth muscle cells of the gastrointestinal tract, neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and norepinephrine bind to specific receptors, triggering muscle contraction or relaxation. Histologically, you can observe these effects through changes in the organization of muscle fibers and the presence of synaptic vesicles in nerve terminals.