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Autonomic Nervous System: Two-Synapse Relay

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The autonomic nervous system controls internal organs without conscious control, relaying signals through two synapses: a preganglionic neuron synapsing onto a postganglionic neuron reaching the target organ.

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A preganglionic neuron often synapses onto multiple postganglionic neurons, amplifying one signal across many cells.

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The sensory-somatic system uses only one synapse between the central nervous system and its target — this relay is distinctive.