The Nervous System Overview with Adrenergic Agonists and Antagonists

Vocabulary flashcards based on the nervous system overview, focusing on adrenergic agonists and antagonists.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Part of the nervous system that functions automatically without deliberate instruction.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord; integrates sensory input and dictates motor output.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves from the brain and spinal cord outside the CNS responsible for bringing information from the body.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Efferent Nerve Fibers

Carry impulses away from the CNS to effectors like muscles and glands.

Afferent Nerve Fibers

Carry impulses towards the CNS from sensory receptors.

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

Part of the ANS responsible for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the ANS that promotes 'rest and digest' functions.

Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors that respond to catecholamines like norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward pathways.

Norepinephrine (NorEpi)

A neurotransmitter involved in the body's response to stress; mediates 'fight or flight' response.

Epinephrine (Epi)

A catecholamine that acts as both a hormone and neurotransmitter, involved in fight or flight.

Alpha Receptors

Type of adrenergic receptors found in various tissues like blood vessels.

Beta Receptors

Type of adrenergic receptors primarily located in the heart and lungs.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS responsible for voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles.

Visceral Sensory Division

Receives impulses from visceral organs to the CNS.

Somatic Sensory Division

Receives impulses from skin, skeletal muscles, and joints to the CNS.

Adrenergic Agonist

Substance that activates adrenergic receptors to produce sympathetic effects.

Sympathomimetics

Drugs that mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels to reduce blood flow.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen to glucose, providing energy.

Pupil Dilation

Enlargement of the pupils, typically in response to sympathetic activation.

Bronchodilation

Widening of air passages in the respiratory tract, facilitated by adrenergic stimulation.

Catecholamines

A group of hormones produced by the adrenal glands, including epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the transmitting neuron after their signal has been sent.

Alpha-1 Receptor

Receptors primarily associated with vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.

Alpha-2 Receptor

Receptors that inhibit neurotransmitter release and decrease sympathetic outflow.

Beta-1 Receptor

Receptors found primarily in the heart that increase heart rate and force of contraction.

Beta-2 Receptor

Receptors that cause bronchodilation and vasodilation in skeletal muscle.

Adrenergic Antagonist (Blocker)

Substance that blocks adrenergic receptors, inhibiting sympathetic effects.

Essential Hypertension

Chronic high blood pressure without identifiable cause.

Heart Failure

A condition where the heart is unable to pump effectively.

Cardiac Arrest

Sudden loss of heart function, leading to cessation of blood circulation.

Anaphylaxis

A severe allergic reaction that can involve the respiratory system.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A form of low blood pressure that happens when standing up from sitting or lying down.

Dizziness

A sensation of lightheadedness or unsteadiness.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Impulses

Electronic signals sent along nerve fibers to convey information.

Phentolamine

An alpha-blocker used to prevent cell death from extravasation of vasopressors.

Tamsulosin (Flomax)

A medication used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) by relaxing muscles in the prostate.

Arrhythmias

Irregular heartbeats that can lead to detrimental health effects.

Vascular Tone

The degree of constriction experienced by a blood vessel relative to its full dilation.

Patient Education

Information provided to patients about medications and health management.

Nursing Considerations

Things that nurses should keep in mind when administering medication.

Medication Discontinuation

The process of stopping a medication, which often requires careful monitoring.

Bradycardia

Abnormally slow heart rate.

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

A medication and hormone that increases heart rate and blood pressure during stress.

Patient Assessment

The systematic process of collecting information about a patient's health.