Ch.6 Introduction to Autonomic Pharmacology Flashcards
Adrenergic
A nerve ending that releases norepinephrine as the primary transmitter; also, a synapse in which norepinephrine is the primary transmitter.
Adrenoceptor (aka: adrenergic receptor)
A receptor that binds, and is activated by, one of the catecholamine transmitters or hormones (norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine) and related drugs.
Baroreceptor reflex
The neuronal homeostatic mechanism that maintains a constant arterial blood pressure; the sensory limb originates in the baroreceptors of the carotid sinus and aortic arch; efferent pathways run in parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves.
Cholinergic
A nerve ending that releases acetylcholine; also, a synapse in which the primary transmitter is acetylcholine.
Cholinoceptor, cholinergic receptor
A receptor that binds, and is activated by, acetylcholine and related drugs.
Dopaminergic receptor
A nerve ending that releases dopamine as the primary transmitter; also a synapse in which dopamine is the primary transmitter.
Homeostatic reflex
A compensatory mechanism for maintaining a body function at a predetermined level, for example, the baroreceptor reflex for blood pressure.
Nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) system
Nerve fibers associated with autonomic nerves that release purines or peptides, nor norepinephrine or acetylcholine.
Parasympathetic
The part of the autonomic nervous system that originates int he cranial nerves and sacral part of the spinal cord; the craniosacral autonomic system.
Postsynaptic receptor
A receptor located on the distal side of a synapse, for example, on a postganglionic neuron or an autonomic effector cell.
Presynaptic receptor
A receptor located on the nerve ending from which the transmitter is released into the synapse; modulates the release of transmitter.
Sympathetic
The part of the autonomic nervous system that originates in the throacic and lumbar parts of the spinal cord.
