Pharmacology: Autonomic Nervous System, Myasthenia Gravis, and Alzheimer's Disease

Vocabulary flashcards covering autonomic nervous system divisions, Myasthenia Gravis, Alzheimer's disease, and related drug therapies from Chapters 46 and 47.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The system controlling involuntary activities in smooth muscle, secretory glands, and visceral organs to constantly maintain homeostasis based on CNS signals.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'fight or flight', also referred to as the 'E' division (exercise, excitement, emergency, and embarrassment).

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest', also referred to as the 'D' division (digestion, defecation, and diuresis).

Cholinergic drugs

Medications that stimulate the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system by activating receptors for acetylcholine.

Anticholinergic drugs

Medications that inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system, opposing the actions of cholinergic agents.

Myasthenia Gravis

A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of painless weakness of skeletal muscles caused by antibodies blocking, altering, or destroying acetylcholine receptors.

Ptosis

Eyelid drooping caused by extraocular muscle weakness in conditions such as Myasthenia Gravis.

Diplopia

Double vision caused by extraocular muscle weakness in conditions such as Myasthenia Gravis.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs

Cholinergic drugs that inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, slowing acetylcholine metabolism at autonomic nerve synapses.

Neostigmine (Bloxiverz)

An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat Myasthenia Gravis; adverse effects include dysrhythmias, hypotension, respiratory depression, and increased secretions.

Atropine

An anticholinergic medication that serves as the antidote for cholinergic crisis and excessive side effects caused by Neostigmine.

Alzheimer's Disease

The most common form of dementia, affecting 10% of people aged 65 or older and 2/3 women, characterized by progressive disruptions in neurologic function and memory loss.

Donepezil (Aricept)

A cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat Alzheimer's disease by increasing acetylcholine levels in the cerebral cortex through metabolic inhibition.