Biological Substances and Systems

Flashcards based on lecture notes about various biological substances and systems.

L-type Ca² channels

A type of voltage-gated calcium channel found in various excitable tissues, such as heart muscle, vascular smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, and neurons.

Prostacyclin (PGI2)

A hormone-like substance produced by blood vessel lining cells that dilates blood vessels and prevents blood clotting.

NMDA

A type of glutamate receptor in the brain and nervous system that controls calcium entry into nerve cells.

PVN

A critical integrative center involved in the regulation of autonomic and neuroendocrine functions. (Paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus)

RVLM

A key brainstem region that plays a pivotal role in the tonic and reflex control of sympathetic vasomotor tone and arterial blood pressure.

N-type Ca+2

Voltage-gated calcium channels primarily found in neurons; they open in response to membrane depolarization and allow calcium ions to enter the nerve terminal.

Aldosterone

A mineralocorticoid hormone produced and secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex; it plays a crucial role in regulating electrolyte balance, fluid homeostasis, and blood pressure.

T-type Ca+2

A subtype of voltage-gated calcium channels that open transiently at low membrane potentials

Ang II

A peptide hormone and a key regulator in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

NLRP3

A protein complex that regulates innate immune responses by activating caspase-1 and the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18

IL-1 β

A pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in innate immunity, inflammation, and the host response to infection and injury.