Atomic Anesthesia

Flashcards focused on key concepts from the Atomic Anesthesia lecture notes.

Autonomic Nervous System

A component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Also known as the 'thoracolumbar' division; prepares the body for action in response to stress or danger, increasing heart rate and redirecting blood flow to muscles.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Also known as the 'craniosacral' division; counteracts the sympathetic system, promotes relaxation, and aids in digestion.

Ganglion

A cluster of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system where nerves can synapse.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons or from neurons to target cells.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body despite changes in external environments.

Receptor

Protein molecules that receive and respond to specific neurotransmitters in the nervous system.

Acetylcholine

The main neurotransmitter released at the end organ in the parasympathetic nervous system, activating cholinergic receptors.

Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors at the end organ in the sympathetic nervous system that respond to norepinephrine; include alpha and beta types.

CV Pharmacology

The study of drugs that affect the cardiovascular system, including how they activate or inhibit adrenergic and cholinergic receptors.