Chapter 18

Question 1

Adrenergic receptors

Answer 1

Receptor sites for the sympathetic neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine

Question 2

Alpha – adrenergic receptors

Answer 2

A class of adrenergic receptors that are further subdivided into alpha-1 – and alpha-2 – adrenergic receptors

Question 3

Autonomic functions

Answer 3

Bodily functions that are involuntary and result from the physiologic activity of the nervous system. The functions often occur in pairs of opposing actions between sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions

Question 4

Autonomic nervous system

Answer 4

A branch of the peripheral nervous system that controls autonomic bodily functions. It consists of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system

Question 5

Beta – adrenergic receptors

Answer 5

Receptors located on post synaptic cells that are stimulated by specific autonomic nerve fibers. Beta-1 adrenergic receptors are located primarily in the heart whereas beta-2 adrenergic receptors are located in the smooth muscle fibers of the bronchioles, arterials, and visceral organs

Question 6

Catecholamines

Answer 6

Substances that can produce as sympathomimetics response. They are either endogenous (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) or synthetic (dobutamine)

Question 7

Dopamine this receptor

Answer 7

A third type of adrenergic receptors located in various tissues and organs and activated by the binding of the neurotransmitter dopamine; which can be either endogenous or synthetic drug form

Question 8

Mydriasis

Answer 8

Pupillary dilation, whether natural (physiologic) or drug-induced

Question 9

Ophthalmics

Answer 9

Drugs that are used in the eye

Question 10

Positive chronotropic effect

Answer 10

Increased heart rate

Question 11

Positive dromotropic effect

Answer 11

An increase in the conduction of cardiac electrical impulses through the atrioventricular node, which results in the transfer of nerve action potentials from the atria to the ventricles. This ultimately leads to a systolic heart beat (ventricular contractions)

Question 12

Positive inotropic effect

Answer 12

An increase in the force of contraction of the heart muscle (myocardium)

Question 13

Sympathomimetics

Answer 13

Drugs used therapeutically that mimic the catecholamines epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Also called adrenergic agonist

Question 14

Synaptic cleft

Answer 14

The space either between two adjacent nerve cell membranes or between a nerve cell membrane and the effector organs so membrane. Also called a synapse.

Question 15

Adrenergic agonists

Answer 15

Drugs that stimulate and mimic the actions of the sympathetic nervous system. Also called sympathomimetics.