ANS general Flashcards
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and Central Nervous System (CNS)
PNS includes all nerves going out to the body, while CNS comprises the brain and spinal cord.
What does the autonomic nervous system control?
Involuntary functions such as cardiac muscle and smooth muscle activity
The autonomic nervous system operates without conscious control.
What are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
Sympathetic is associated with ‘fight or flight’ responses, while parasympathetic is linked to ‘rest and digest’ activities.
What neurotransmitters are released by adrenergic nerves?
Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Dopamine
These neurotransmitters bind to adrenergic receptor sites.
What neurotransmitter is associated with cholinergic nerves?
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine binds to cholinergic receptor sites, which can be muscarinic or nicotinic.
What are alpha receptors responsible for?
Vasoconstriction and increasing blood pressure
Alpha receptors can be further classified into Alpha 1 and Alpha 2.
What is the primary function of Beta 1 receptors?
Increase heart rate and force of cardiac contractions
Beta 1 receptors are primarily found in the heart.
What do Beta 2 receptors do?
Relax bronchial smooth muscle and walls of blood vessels
This action leads to bronchodilation.
What is the difference between agonist and antagonist drugs?
Agonists produce similar effects, while antagonists block or produce opposite effects
Agonist drugs mimic the action of neurotransmitters, while antagonists inhibit them.
What is meant by sympathomimetic drugs?
Drugs that imitate the effects of the sympathetic nervous system
These are also known as adrenergic agonists.
What action does atropine have as an anticholinergic?
Inhibits the action of acetylcholine, leading to decreased secretions and increased heart rate
Atropine is used to treat bradycardia and to decrease secretions during surgery.
What is the effect of clonidine as an alpha2 adrenergic agonist?
Decreases sympathetic outflow, resulting in lower blood pressure
Clonidine also prevents pain signal transmission to the CNS.
What is the primary therapeutic effect of prazosin?
Vasodilation and lowering blood pressure
Prazosin is an alpha1 adrenergic antagonist used primarily for hypertension.
Fill in the blank: The sympathetic nervous system is associated with ______ responses.
fight or flight
This system prepares the body for stressful situations.
Fill in the blank: The parasympathetic nervous system is associated with ______ responses.
rest and digest
This system conserves energy and promotes maintenance activities.
True or False: Norepinephrine and epinephrine are both classified as cholinergic neurotransmitters.
False
Norepinephrine and epinephrine are adrenergic neurotransmitters.
What are the effects of adrenergic alpha 1 agonist drugs?
Constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure
These drugs mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.
What are the adverse effects of metoprolol?
Bradycardia, heart failure, hypotension
Metoprolol primarily blocks Beta 1 receptors.
What is the role of the cholinergic nervous system?
Mediates rest and digest functions
It primarily uses acetylcholine as its neurotransmitter.
