Autonomic Nervous System Overview

A comprehensive set of flashcards related to the autonomic nervous system, covering key concepts, terminology, and physiological processes.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions.

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system associated with the voluntary control of body movements.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in conscious control.

Hypothalamus

A brain region controlling the autonomic nervous system and homeostasis.

Spinal Cord

The main pathway for information connecting the brain and peripheral nervous system.

Efferent Neurons

Nerve cells that carry signals away from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.

Preganglionic Neuron

Neuron that transmits impulses from the central nervous system to a ganglion.

Postganglionic Neuron

Neuron that transmits impulses from a ganglion to the target organ.

Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors that respond to epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system that acts on both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes 'rest and digest' functions.

Cotransmission

The process where multiple neurotransmitters are released from a single neuron.

Divergence in Preganglionic Fibers

Preganglionic fibers typically activate multiple postganglionic fibers, leading to widespread effects.

Chromaffin Cells

Modified postganglionic neurons in the adrenal medulla that release hormones into the blood.

Epinephrine

A hormone released by the adrenal glands that increases heart rate and energy availability.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness, primarily released by the sympathetic nervous system.

Monoamine Oxidase (MAO)

An enzyme responsible for the breakdown of monoamines, including norepinephrine.

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)

An enzyme that breaks down catecholamines, such as norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Vy-adrenergic Receptors

Receptors that mediate the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine, important for cardiovascular function.

Muscarinic Receptors

Type of cholinergic receptor that responds to acetylcholine; involved in parasympathetic functions.

Nicotinic Receptors

Type of cholinergic receptor located at the neuromuscular junction and autonomic ganglia.

Cholinergic System

Refers to the system associated with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates reflex actions.

Accommodation

The process by which the eye changes its focus from distant to near objects.

Pupillary Light Reflex

The reflex that controls the diameter of the pupil in response to light intensity.

Vascular Effects

Effects on blood vessel dynamics, such as dilation or constriction.

Adrenergic Agonists

Drugs that stimulate adrenergic receptors.

Adrenergic Antagonists

Drugs that block adrenergic receptors.

Cholinergic Agonists

Drugs that stimulate cholinergic receptors.

Cholinergic Antagonists

Drugs that block cholinergic receptors.