The autonomic nervous system has two main divisions - the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. It uses two major neurotransmitters - norepinephrine (NE) which is the primary transmitter at sympathetic postganglionic neurons, and acetylcholine (ACh) which is used by parasympathetic neurons. There are several steps involved in the synthesis, storage, release, action, and degradation of these neurotransmitters. Pharmacological targets for drugs include adrenoceptors and cholinergic receptors to modulate the effects of NE and ACh in the autonomic nervous system.