cycle 24, unit 19

adrenergic

pertaining to nerve fibers that when stimulated, release norpinephrine or epinephrine at synapeses

affective

pertaining to an emotion or mental state; feeling, mood, emotional response

anticholinergic

an agent that blocks parasympathetic nerve impulses

anxiolytic

dissolution of anxiety

bioavailability

the rate and extent to which an active agent, drug, or metabolite enters the general circulation

catecholamine

biochemical substances, epinephrine, norepinenephrine, and dopamine that have a marked effect on the nervous system, cardiovascualar system, metabolic rate, temperature, and smooth muscle.

dopamine

a catecholamine synthesized in adrenergic nerve terminals, the adrenal gland, and other sites in the CNS. it acts to increase the force of contraction of the heart and blood pressure, especially the systolic phase.

endogenous

pertaining to be produced or arising from within a cell or organism

extrapyramidal

pertaining to outside the pyramidal tracts of the CNS. involved in body movement and posture

limbic system

group of brain structures that is activated by motivated behavior and arousal.

neuroleptic

agent that modifies psychotic behavior

norepinephrine

hormone produced by the adrenal medulla. chiefly a vasoconstrictor.

orthostatic hypotension

condition in which there is a decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure below normal

serotonin

chemical present in gastrointestinal mucosa, platelets, mast cells, anc carcinoid tumor. it is a vasoconstrictor and affects sleep and sensory perception

tyramine

intermediate product in the conversion of tyrosine to epinephrine.