The adrenergic system is one made up of a set of sympathetic nerve fibers, belonging to the autonomic nervous system, which use adrenaline as a neurotransmitter. It is a system that works by controlling the involuntary actions of the body, and basically responding to nerve impulses from the spinal cord, hypothalamus, and brain stem.
The adrenergic system is part of what is known as the autonomic nervous system, which in turn is derived from the central nervous system. It is responsible for the coordination of the vegetative functions of the body, such as digestion, excretion, etc.
It is considered an efferent system, since it is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses from the central nervous system, to the periphery, managing to activate peripheral organ systems and apparatus. Its functions include: intervening in the functioning of the heart and respiratory rate, contracts and dilates blood vessels, causing perspiration, salivation, urination, digestion, pupil dilation and sexual arousal.
As it has been possible to detail, this system controls most of the involuntary actions of the organism, however, there are some such as breathing that work together with conscious actions.
These nerve fibers belonging to the sympathetic system stimulate the body's involuntary actions through neurotransmitters such as adrenaline, norepinephrine, dopamine, and acetylcholine. These control the homeostatic activity of the sympathetic nervous system. These neurotransmitters activate so-called adrenergic receptors, which are divided into two groups: alpha receptors and beta receptors.
Alpha receptors act on vasoconstriction and vasodilation of the arteries of the heart. While the effects of alpha receptors are manifested in an increase in heart rate.
