Peripheral Nervous System 2.1

These flashcards cover vocabulary and key concepts related to the peripheral nervous system, pharmacology of adrenergic and cholinergic drugs, and their clinical significance.

Peripheral Nervous System

Consists of all neural tissue outside the central nervous system, including sensory and motor divisions.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Made up of the brain and spinal cord; processes sensory information and generates thoughts, emotions, and memories.

Adrenergic Drugs

Medications that stimulate the adrenergic receptors, mimicking the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

Cholinergic Drugs

Medications that stimulate cholinergic receptors, mimicking the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements by innervating skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions via smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' activities.

Cholinergic Blockers

Medications that inhibit the action of acetylcholine at cholinergic receptors.

Adrenergic Blockers

Medications that inhibit the action of catecholamines (norepinephrine and epinephrine) at adrenergic receptors.

Agonist

A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it, mimicking the effect of the naturally occurring substance.

Antagonist

A substance that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, blocking the action of the naturally occurring substance.

Dual Innervation

When an organ receives input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Epinephrine

A hormone and neurotransmitter that stimulates adrenergic receptors; often used in emergencies.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter that primarily acts on alpha receptors to increase blood pressure.

Muscarinic Receptors

Cholinergic receptors that mediate the effects of acetylcholine in the parasympathetic nervous system.

Nicotinic Receptors

Cholinergic receptors located in the autonomic ganglia and at the neuromuscular junction.

Acetylcholine

The primary neurotransmitter used by the somatic nervous system and in the autonomic nervous system.

Sympathomimetics

Drugs that mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system; often adrenergic agonists.

Anticholinergic

Drugs that block the actions of acetylcholine, often used to treat respiratory issues.

Fight or Flight Response

The body's acute stress response that prepares one for action, mediated by sympathetic nervous system activation.

Rest and Digest

The body's relaxation response that conserves energy and promotes digestive processes, mediated by parasympathetic activation.

Alpha Receptors

Adrenergic receptors that mediate actions such as vasoconstriction when activated.

Beta Receptors

Adrenergic receptors that mediate various responses, including increased heart rate (Beta 1) and bronchodilation (Beta 2).

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System

Hormonal system regulating blood pressure and fluid balance; activated by beta 1 receptor stimulation.

Inotropy

The force of muscular contraction, particularly in the heart.

Chronotropy

The rate at which the heart beats.

Dromotropy

The conduction velocity of electrical impulses through the heart.

Cholinesterase Inhibitor

Drugs that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, increasing its effects on cholinergic receptors.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles due to nicotinic receptor attack.

Atropine

A muscarinic antagonist used to treat bradycardia and to reduce secretions.

Physostigmine

A reversible cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat anticholinergic toxicity.

Phenylephrine

A selective alpha-1 agonist used as a pressor to increase blood pressure.

Salbutamol

A beta-2 agonist used to treat bronchoconstriction by causing bronchodilation.

Beta-Blockers

Medications that block beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

Prazosin

An alpha-1 blocker used to treat hypertension.

Labetalol

A non-selective beta-blocker with alpha-blocking properties, used for acute hypertension.

Raynaud's Disease

A condition characterized by episodic vasospasm in the extremities, treated with alpha blockers.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar levels, possibly affected by beta-blocker use in diabetic patients.

Epinephrine Auto-Injector

A device used to deliver a dose of epinephrine in the case of anaphylactic shock.

Direct-Acting Agonists

Substances that activate receptors directly, such as epinephrine.

Indirect-Acting Agonists

Substances that increase the release of neurotransmitters indirectly, such as amphetamines.

Extrapyramidal Symptoms

Movement disorders caused by antipsychotic medication; often treated with anticholinergics.

Acetylcholinesterase

An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.

Vagal Tone

The activity of the vagus nerve, influencing heart rate.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that plays several important roles in the brain and body, affecting emotions and motor control.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure, which can be a result of autonomic nervous system actions.

Atony

Loss of muscle tone, often related to impairment of motor neuron activity.