Autonomic Nervous System and Special Senses Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the autonomic nervous system, receptors, neurotransmitters, and special senses such as vision.

Cholinergic receptors

Receptors that respond to the natural agonist acetylcholine, including nicotinic and muscarinic types.

Adrenergic receptors

Receptors that respond to neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine; classified into alpha and beta subtypes.

Nicotinic receptors

A type of cholinergic receptor that responds to acetylcholine and nicotine.

Muscarinic receptors

Cholinergic receptors that normally bind with acetylcholine and can also be activated by muscarine.

Agonist

A substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.

Antagonist

A substance that inhibits or blocks a receptor's action.

Acetylcholine

The primary neurotransmitter for cholinergic receptors.

Atropine

An antagonist of muscarinic receptors used for dilating pupils.

Beta-2 receptors

Adrenergic receptors primarily responsible for bronchodilation in the lungs.

Acetylcholinesterase

The enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.

Diverging circuits

Circuits where one signal branches out to multiple targets; characteristic of the sympathetic nervous system.

Lacrimal fluid

Fluid produced by the lacrimal gland to keep the eyes moist.

Photoreceptors

Specialized cells in the retina that respond to light and are responsible for vision.

Electromagnetic spectrum

The range of all types of light radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.

Visible spectrum

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

Conjunctiva

A thin, transparent membrane covering the anterior surface of the eye and the inner eyelids.

Tropic hormone

A hormone secreted by the hypothalamus, signaling different endocrine glands to release their hormones.