Unit 3

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the nervous system and pharmacological therapies as discussed in the lecture.

CNS

Central Nervous System, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

ANS

Autonomic Nervous System, responsible for involuntary bodily functions.

SNS

Somatic Nervous System, controlling voluntary movements.

Fight or flight response

The body's immediate reaction to a perceived threat, activating the sympathetic nervous system.

Rest and digest response

The process by which the parasympathetic nervous system conserves energy and resources during relaxed states.

ACh

Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in many functions including muscle activation and memory.

NE

Norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating arousal and alertness.

Anticholinergics

Medications that block acetylcholine in the central and peripheral nervous system.

Cholinergic drugs/parasympathomimetics

Medications that mimic the action of acetylcholine.

Myasthenia gravis (MG)

An autoimmune disorder characterized by weakness in the skeletal muscles.

Beta blockers

Medications that reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors.

GAD

Generalized Anxiety Disorder, characterized by excessive anxiety and worry.

OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, involving unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Limbic system

A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, associated with emotions and drives.

Anxiolytics

Medications that relieve anxiety.

Hypnotics

Drugs that induce sleep.

Sleep Hygiene

Practices that help ensure good quality sleep.

SSRIs

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, a class of drugs commonly used to treat depression.

SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression related to changes in seasons.

Phototherapy

The use of light to treat various mental health conditions.

Mood disorder

A psychological disorder characterized by the elevation or lowering of a person's mood.

Bipolar disorder

A mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs and lows.

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Poison Control Center

A national resource providing expert medical advice and treatment information for poison exposures.

Antidote

A substance that can counteract a form of poisoning.

Activated Charcoal

A substance used to absorb ingested poisons in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream.

Alpha-1 Receptors

Adrenergic receptors primarily located in blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction when activated.

Beta-1 Receptors

Adrenergic receptors primarily found in the heart, increasing heart rate and contractility when activated.

Beta-2 Receptors

Adrenergic receptors primarily located in the lungs, causing bronchodilation when activated.

Adrenergic Agonists (Sympathomimetics)

Drugs that mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system by activating adrenergic receptors.

Adrenergic Antagonists (Sympatholytics)

Drugs that block the effects of the sympathetic nervous system by inhibiting adrenergic receptors.

Muscarinic Receptors

Cholinergic receptors found in the parasympathetic postganglionic effectors, mediating 'rest and digest' actions.

Nicotinic Receptors

Cholinergic receptors found in the autonomic ganglia and neuromuscular junctions, involved in muscle contraction and autonomic responses.

Benzodiazepines

A class of anxiolytic drugs that enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA at the GABA-A receptor, commonly used for anxiety and sleep disorders.

Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics ('Z-drugs')

A class of drugs like zolpidem and zaleplon that act on GABA receptors to induce sleep, with fewer anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, or anticonvulsant effects than benzodiazepines.

SNRIs

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, a class of antidepressants that block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.

TCAs

Tricyclic Antidepressants, an older class of antidepressants that block the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, also blocking acetylcholine and histamine receptors.

MAOIs

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, a class of antidepressants that prevent the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine) in the brain.

Mood Stabilizers

Medications, such as lithium and certain anticonvulsants, used to treat and prevent mood swings in bipolar disorder.

Psychostimulants

Drugs, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, primarily used to treat ADHD by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.