Chapter 13 Physiology of the PNS Flashcards
Cholinergic Receptors
Receptors that mediate responses to acetylcholine
Adrenergic receptors
Receptors that mediate responses to epinephrine and norepinephrine
Receptor Subtypes
Receptors that respond to the same transmitter but are different from each other. Allow for greater drug selectivity. For instance Nicotinic Cholinergic Receptors and Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptors both respond to acetylcholine, but only nicotinic receptors respond to nicotine, and only muscarinic receptors respond to muscarine
Nicotinic(N)
Cholinergic receptors found on the post ganglionic neuron of both the PSNS and SNS. Promotes ganglionic transmission of all ganglia. Additionally, promotes release of epinephrine from the adrenal medulla
Nicotinic(M)
Cholinergic receptor found on skeletal muscle.
Muscarinic
Cholinergic receptors found on targeted organs of the PNS. 7 main functions are
- Increased glandular secretions (pulmonary, gastric, intestinal, and sweat)
- Contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchi and GI tract
- Slowing of the heart
- Miosis (decreased pupil size)
- Contraction of the ciliary muscle, causing focusing of the lens
- Dilation of blood vessels
- Voiding of the bladder
Acetylcholine
Neurotransmitter released by all of the preganglionic neurons of the PSNS and SNS, all postganglionic neurons of the PSNS, all motor neurons to skeletal muscles, and most postganglionic neurons of the SNS that go to sweat glands. Able to activate all three cholinergic receptor subtypes
Alpha 1
An Adrenergic Receptor Subtype located in the eyes, blood vessels, male sex organs, prostatic capsule, and bladder (trigone and sphincter). When activated, results in
- Mydriasis (increased pupil size)
- Constriction of veins and arterioles
- Penile ejaculation
- Contraction of the bladder
Alpha 2
An Adrenergic Receptor Subtype located on nerve terminals. Referred to as prejunctional or presynaptic. Regulate transmitter release
Beta 1
An Adrenergic Receptor Subtype located in the heart and kidneys. In the heart, activation of Beta 1 receptors promotes increased heart rate, contraction, and velocity of impulse conduction through the AV node. In the kidneys, activation of Beta 1 receptors causes release of Renin into the blood
Beta 2
An Adrenergic Receptor Subtype located in arterioles of the heart, lungs, and skeletal muscle (vasodilation), bronchi (dilation), uterus (relaxation), liver (glycogenolysis), and skeletal muscle (enhanced contraction, glycogenolysis. Can only be activated by epinephrine and are activated during fight or flight response.
Dopamine (R)
An Adrenergic Receptor Subtype. The most clinical significance is dopamine receptors found in the vasculature of the kidney, where activation results in dilation of renal blood vessels resulting in increased perfusion
Epinephrine
A neurotransmitter capable of activating all of the adrenergic receptors apart from dopamine receptors. Released by the adrenal medulla, it prepares the body for fight or flight.
Norepinephrine
A neurotransmitter capable of activating Alpha 1, Alpha 2, and Beta 1.
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter capable of activating Alpha 1, Beta 1, and Dopamine