kopp Autonomic Nervous System and Pharmacology Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the autonomic nervous system and their pharmacological implications.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes all nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord.

Motor Neurons

Nerves that send signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles or glands.

Sensory Neurons

Nerves that send signals back to the brain or spinal cord from sensory organs.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

A subdivision of the PNS that controls involuntary actions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the ANS responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the ANS responsible for 'rest and digest' functions.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter used in the autonomic nervous system.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter primarily associated with the sympathetic nervous system.

Bronchodilation

Expansion of the air passages in the lungs.

Bronchoconstriction

Narrowing of the air passages in the lungs.

Preganglionic Neuron

The first neuron in a two-neuron chain that extends from the CNS to a ganglion.

Postganglionic Neuron

The second neuron in a two-neuron chain that extends from a ganglion to the target organ.

Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors that respond to norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Muscarinic Receptors

Receptors that respond to acetylcholine in the parasympathetic nervous system.

Nicotine Receptors

Receptors that respond to acetylcholine at the ganglionic synapse.

Pupil Dilation

An increase in the size of the pupil, typically in response to sympathetic stimulation.

Vagus Nerve

Cranial nerve involved in parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.

Cranial Sacral Division

Another name for the parasympathetic nervous system's origin.

Thoracolumbar Division

Another name for the sympathetic nervous system's origin.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Fight or Flight Response

A physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event.

Rest and Digest

A physiological response that promotes maintenance activities in the body.