ANS PHAMACOLOGY Flashcards
What are the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
True or False: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the ‘rest and digest’ response.
False.
What is the primary function of the sympathetic nervous system?
To prepare the body for ‘fight or flight’ responses.
Fill in the blank: The sympathetic nervous system originates in the _____ region of the spinal cord.
thoracolumbar.
What is the primary neurotransmitter used by the sympathetic nervous system?
Norepinephrine.
Which nervous system is associated with conserving energy?
Parasympathetic nervous system.
True or False: The parasympathetic nervous system uses acetylcholine as its main neurotransmitter.
True.
In which part of the nervous system do the parasympathetic pathways originate?
Craniosacral region.
What is the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on heart rate?
It decreases heart rate.
Which system has longer preganglionic fibers, sympathetic or parasympathetic?
Parasympathetic nervous system.
Fill in the blank: The sympathetic ganglia are located close to the _____ of the spinal cord.
spinal cord.
What type of responses does the parasympathetic nervous system promote?
Restorative and maintenance responses.
Which system is more active during stressful situations?
Sympathetic nervous system.
What is the main role of the sympathetic chain ganglia?
To relay signals from the sympathetic nervous system to target organs.
True or False: The sympathetic nervous system can inhibit digestive processes.
True.
What is the effect of the parasympathetic system on digestion?
It stimulates digestion.
What is the difference in the location of ganglia between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?
Sympathetic ganglia are close to the spinal cord; parasympathetic ganglia are near or in target organs.
Which cranial nerve is primarily associated with the parasympathetic nervous system?
Vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X).
Fill in the blank: The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for _____ situations.
emergency.
What physiological changes occur during sympathetic activation?
Increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and inhibited digestion.
Which system is characterized by short preganglionic and long postganglionic fibers?
Sympathetic nervous system.
What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
To promote ‘rest and digest’ activities.
True or False: The sympathetic nervous system is always active to some degree.
True.
What is the role of the adrenal medulla in the sympathetic nervous system?
To release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream.
What are the physiological effects of the parasympathetic nervous system on the lungs?
It constricts bronchi and reduces respiratory rate.
Fill in the blank: The sympathetic nervous system facilitates _____ of blood flow to skeletal muscles.
increased.
Which system is primarily responsible for increasing blood pressure during stress?
Sympathetic nervous system.
What neurotransmitter is primarily released by all preganglionic neurons in the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?
Acetylcholine (ACh)
True or False: Postganglionic sympathetic neurons primarily release norepinephrine.
True
Fill in the blank: The neurotransmitter released by postganglionic parasympathetic neurons is __________.
Acetylcholine (ACh)
Which type of autonomic neuron releases epinephrine?
Adrenal medulla cells (not directly a neuron but part of the sympathetic system)
What are the two main types of receptors that acetylcholine binds to in the ANS?
Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors
Multiple Choice: Which neurotransmitter is NOT typically associated with the sympathetic nervous system? A) Norepinephrine B) Acetylcholine C) Epinephrine
B) Acetylcholine
What is the primary function of norepinephrine in the ANS?
To mediate the ‘fight or flight’ response
True or False: All preganglionic neurons in the ANS release norepinephrine.
False
Short Answer: What is the role of acetylcholine in the parasympathetic nervous system?
To promote rest-and-digest responses
Fill in the blank: The neurotransmitter released from postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic division is primarily __________.
Norepinephrine
Multiple Choice: Which neurotransmitter is released by both preganglionic and postganglionic neurons in the parasympathetic system? A) Norepinephrine B) Acetylcholine C) Dopamine
B) Acetylcholine
What is the effect of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors?
It can cause various effects, such as decreased heart rate and increased glandular secretions.
True or False: The adrenal medulla releases norepinephrine directly into the bloodstream.
False
Short Answer: Name one effect of norepinephrine in the body.
Increased heart rate or vasoconstriction
Fill in the blank: The neurotransmitter involved in the sympathetic nervous system’s ‘fight or flight’ response is primarily __________.
Norepinephrine
Multiple Choice: Which neurotransmitter is released from preganglionic sympathetic neurons? A) Acetylcholine B) Norepinephrine C) Serotonin
A) Acetylcholine
What type of receptors do postganglionic sympathetic neurons primarily target?
Adrenergic receptors
True or False: Parasympathetic postganglionic neurons release norepinephrine.
False
Short Answer: What is the overall effect of the parasympathetic nervous system?
To conserve energy and promote maintenance activities.
Fill in the blank: The neurotransmitter released by postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic nervous system is __________.
Norepinephrine
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic nervous system? A) Increased heart rate B) Decreased digestive activity C) Increased glandular secretion
C) Increased glandular secretion
What is the role of adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system?
To mediate the effects of norepinephrine and epinephrine.
True or False: Both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems utilize acetylcholine as their primary neurotransmitter.
False
Short Answer: What is the function of nicotinic receptors in the ANS?
To mediate fast synaptic transmission in ganglia.
What type of neurotransmitter activates cholinergic receptors?
Acetylcholine
True or False: Adrenergic receptors are activated by norepinephrine and epinephrine.
True
Fill in the blank: Cholinergic receptors can be classified into _____ and _____ subtypes.
muscarinic; nicotinic
What are the two main types of adrenergic receptors?
Alpha and beta receptors
Short answer: Describe how acetylcholine activates nicotinic receptors.
Acetylcholine binds to nicotinic receptors, causing ion channels to open and allowing sodium ions to enter the cell.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a subtype of adrenergic receptor? A) Alpha-1 B) Beta-2 C) Gamma-3 D) Beta-1
C) Gamma-3
What effect does activation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors generally have on blood vessels?
Vasoconstriction
True or False: Muscarinic receptors are primarily found in the peripheral nervous system.
True
Fill in the blank: The binding of norepinephrine to beta-1 adrenergic receptors primarily affects the _____.
heart
What is the primary action of beta-2 adrenergic receptors when activated?
Bronchodilation
Short answer: How does the activation of adrenergic receptors lead to a fight-or-flight response?
Activation of adrenergic receptors increases heart rate, dilates airways, and mobilizes energy stores.
Multiple choice: Which receptor subtype is responsible for increasing heart rate? A) Alpha-1 B) Beta-1 C) Muscarinic D) Nicotinic
B) Beta-1
What is the role of second messengers in adrenergic receptor activation?
They amplify the signal and lead to various cellular responses.
True or False: Cholinergic receptors can be found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
True
Fill in the blank: Activation of _____ receptors can lead to increased glandular secretions.
muscarinic
What type of signaling mechanism do adrenergic receptors primarily use?
G-protein coupled receptors
Short answer: Explain the difference between the effects of activating alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.
Alpha receptors typically cause vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure, while beta receptors generally lead to vasodilation and increased heart rate.
Multiple choice: Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for activating adrenergic receptors? A) Serotonin B) Acetylcholine C) Norepinephrine D) Dopamine
C) Norepinephrine
What physiological effects are associated with the activation of beta-2 adrenergic receptors?
Relaxation of smooth muscle, particularly in the airways.
True or False: Nicotinic receptors are ionotropic and lead to rapid changes in cell membrane potential.
True
Fill in the blank: The main function of cholinergic receptors in the parasympathetic nervous system is to promote _____ responses.
rest-and-digest
What is the effect of activating beta-3 adrenergic receptors?
Lipolysis and thermogenesis in adipose tissue.
Short answer: Describe what happens when acetylcholine binds to muscarinic receptors.
It activates G-proteins that modulate various intracellular signaling pathways, leading to slower, longer-lasting effects.
Multiple choice: Which type of adrenergic receptor is primarily involved in the contraction of smooth muscle? A) Alpha-2 B) Beta-2 C) Alpha-1 D) Beta-1
C) Alpha-1
What type of receptor is associated with the action of acetylcholine?
Cholinergic receptor
True or False: Adrenergic receptors respond to norepinephrine and epinephrine.
True
Fill in the blank: Cholinergic receptors are primarily located in the _____ nervous system.
parasympathetic
What are the two main types of adrenergic receptors?
Alpha and Beta receptors
Where are alpha-1 adrenergic receptors primarily located?
Vascular smooth muscle
True or False: Beta-2 adrenergic receptors are mainly found in the heart.
False
What is the primary action of muscarinic cholinergic receptors?
Inhibit or stimulate target organs in the parasympathetic nervous system
Multiple Choice: Which type of adrenergic receptor is associated with vasodilation?
Beta-2
Where are nicotinic cholinergic receptors primarily found?
At the neuromuscular junction and in the autonomic ganglia
True or False: Cholinergic receptors can be both excitatory and inhibitory.
True
What is the main effect of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors when activated?
Inhibition of norepinephrine release
Fill in the blank: Adrenergic receptors are primarily involved in the _____ response.
fight or flight
What is the role of beta-1 adrenergic receptors?
Increase heart rate and contractility
Where are beta-3 adrenergic receptors primarily located?
Adipose tissue
True or False: Cholinergic receptors are only found in the central nervous system.
False
What type of response do cholinergic receptors mediate in the body?
Rest and digest
Multiple Choice: Which receptor type is responsible for pupil constriction?
Muscarinic cholinergic receptor
What physiological action is primarily associated with beta-2 adrenergic receptors?
Bronchodilation
Where are beta-1 adrenergic receptors primarily located?
Heart
Fill in the blank: The activation of alpha-1 receptors leads to _____ of blood vessels.
constriction
True or False: Muscarinic receptors are only found on effector organs.
True
What is the primary neurotransmitter for adrenergic receptors?
Norepinephrine
Fill in the blank: The _____ nervous system primarily uses cholinergic receptors.
parasympathetic
What effect do beta-3 adrenergic receptors have on metabolism?
Stimulate lipolysis
Multiple Choice: Which receptor type is associated with increased gastrointestinal motility?
Muscarinic cholinergic receptor
True or False: Both cholinergic and adrenergic receptors can be found in the autonomic nervous system.
True
What is neurotransmission?
The process by which signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are released by a neuron and bind to receptors on a target cell.
What is a synapse?
A synapse is the junction between two neurons, where neurotransmission occurs.
True or False: Neurotransmission only occurs in the central nervous system.
False: Neurotransmission occurs in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.
Fill in the blank: The gap between neurons at a synapse is called the __________.
synaptic cleft.
What role do receptors play in neurotransmission?
Receptors on the postsynaptic neuron bind neurotransmitters and initiate a response.
Which ion is primarily involved in the release of neurotransmitters?
Calcium (Ca2+).
What is synaptic plasticity?
The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in activity.
Name one way neurotransmission can be modulated.
Through the action of drugs that can enhance or inhibit neurotransmitter release or receptor activity.
What is the function of an inhibitory neurotransmitter?
To decrease the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.
True or False: All neurotransmitters have the same effect on the postsynaptic neuron.
False: Different neurotransmitters can have excitatory or inhibitory effects.
What is reuptake in the context of neurotransmission?
The process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron after they have acted on the postsynaptic receptor.
What is the role of enzymes in neurotransmission?
Enzymes can break down neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, terminating their action.
Fill in the blank: The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain is __________.
glutamate.
What effect does an agonist have on neurotransmission?
An agonist enhances or mimics the action of a neurotransmitter.
What is the primary function of dopamine?
Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.
True or False: Neurotransmission is a one-way process.
True: Neurotransmission typically occurs in one direction, from presynaptic to postsynaptic neuron.
What is the function of the synaptic vesicles?
To store neurotransmitters and release them into the synaptic cleft during neurotransmission.
What is the difference between an excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter?
Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood of action potential firing, while inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease it.
Name a common inhibitory neurotransmitter.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?
A lasting increase in synaptic strength following high-frequency stimulation of a synapse.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation.
Serotonin.
What is the effect of a neurotransmitter antagonist?
An antagonist blocks or inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter.
What is the role of glial cells in neurotransmission?
Glial cells support neurons and can modulate neurotransmission by influencing the environment around synapses.
True or False: Neurotransmission can be influenced by external factors such as drugs and toxins.
True: Many substances can modulate neurotransmission by affecting neurotransmitter release, receptor binding, or degradation.
What is the relationship between neurotransmitters and behavior?
Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating mood, cognition, and behavior.
What does ANS stand for?
Autonomic Nervous System
True or False: The ANS is responsible for voluntary control of body functions.
False
Fill in the blank: The ANS primarily regulates __________ functions.
involuntary
What are the two main divisions of the ANS?
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the sympathetic division of the ANS?
Norepinephrine
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic ANS? (A) Increases heart rate (B) Stimulates digestion (C) Dilates pupils
B) Stimulates digestion
What role do hormones play in influencing the ANS?
Hormones can enhance or inhibit ANS responses.
True or False: Stress can activate the sympathetic ANS.
True
Fill in the blank: The __________ nervous system is often referred to as the ‘rest and digest’ system.
parasympathetic
What is the primary effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the body?
It prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ responses.
Multiple choice: Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the parasympathetic division of the ANS? (A) Acetylcholine (B) Dopamine (C) Serotonin
A) Acetylcholine
What is the relationship between the ANS and the endocrine system?
The ANS interacts with the endocrine system to regulate body functions through hormones.
True or False: The ANS operates independently of the central nervous system.
False
Fill in the blank: The sympathetic division of the ANS is activated during __________ situations.
stressful
What effect does the parasympathetic ANS have on heart rate?
It decreases heart rate.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a function of the sympathetic ANS? (A) Increased blood flow to muscles (B) Decreased respiratory rate (C) Dilation of pupils
B) Decreased respiratory rate
What is the role of the hypothalamus in regulating the ANS?
The hypothalamus acts as a control center for ANS functions.
True or False: The ANS is influenced only by internal stimuli.
False
Fill in the blank: The __________ reflex is an example of a response mediated by the ANS.
baroreceptor
What is a common effect of chronic stress on the ANS?
It can lead to an overactive sympathetic response.
Multiple choice: Which condition can be influenced by ANS dysfunction? (A) Hypertension (B) Diabetes (C) Both A and B
C) Both A and B
What is the significance of biofeedback in relation to the ANS?
Biofeedback can help individuals learn to control ANS responses.
True or False: The ANS has no role in emotional responses.
False
Fill in the blank: __________ can modulate the activity of the ANS through relaxation techniques.
Mindfulness
What physiological changes occur during a sympathetic response?
Increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and elevated blood pressure.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a primary function of the parasympathetic ANS? (A) Inhibition of digestion (B) Promotion of relaxation (C) Increased alertness
B) Promotion of relaxation
