Pharmacology of Drugs Acting on Peripheral Nervous System

These flashcards cover key terminologies and concepts related to the pharmacology of drugs acting on the peripheral nervous system, including the organization and functions of the autonomic nervous system.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Part of the nervous system that includes all the neurons and ganglia outside the CNS.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Component of the PNS that regulates involuntary physiological processes.

Ganglia

Structures containing a number of nerve cell bodies, found in voluntary and autonomic branches of the PNS.

Afferent Neurons

Neurons that carry sensory information from the periphery to the CNS.

Efferent Neurons

Neurons that transmit impulses from the CNS to effector organs.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements.

Cholinergic System

Refers to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) and its receptors in the ANS.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter involved in sending messages between nerve cells and muscles.

Muscarinic Receptors

A subtype of acetylcholine receptors that are stimulated by ACh and mediate parasympathetic responses.

Nicotinic Receptors

A subtype of acetylcholine receptors that mediate stimulating actions in autonomic ganglia.

Parasympathomimetics

Drugs that mimic the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system, often acting on muscarinic receptors.

Atropine

A drug that blocks muscarinic receptors, used as a muscarinic antagonist.

Neostigmine

A reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular transmission, characterized by weakness in voluntary muscles.

Glaucoma

A condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure leading to optic nerve damage.

Prostaglandins

Agents used in the treatment of glaucoma, they facilitate aqueous humor drainage and lower intraocular pressure.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the ANS responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

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

Epinephrine

A catecholamine that functions both as a hormone and a neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in movement and reward pathways, also a precursor to norepinephrine.

Reversible Inhibitors of AChE

Drugs that inhibit acetylcholinesterase to prolong the action of acetylcholine.

Irreversible Inhibitors of AChE

Drugs that permanently inactivate acetylcholinesterase, often used in pesticide formulations.

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants (SMRs)

Drugs that reduce muscle tone and spasticity, often used during surgeries.

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

A class of drugs that induce paralysis by blocking the transmission at the neuromuscular junction.