Chapter 32 & 33 Flashcards
Acetylcholinesterase
Enzyme responsible for the immediate breakdown of acetylcholine when released from the nerve ending; prevents overstimulation of cholinergic receptor sites
Alzheimer disease
Degenerative disease of the cortex with loss of acetylcholine-producing cells and cholinergic receptors; characterized by progressive dementia
Cholinergic agonists
Responding to acetylcholine; refers to receptor sites stimulated by acetylchoine, as well as neurons that release acetylcholine
Miosis
Constriction of the pupil; relieves intraocular pressure in some types of glaucoma
Myasthenia gravis
Autoimmune disease is characterized by antibodies to cholinergic receptor sites leading to the destruction of the receptor sites and decreased response at the neuromuscular junction; it is progressive and debilitating, leading to paralysis
Nerve gas
Irreversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in warfare to cause paralysis and death by prolonged muscle contraction and parasympathetic crisis
Parasympathomimetic
Mimicking the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system leading to bradycardia, hypotension, pupil constrciton, increased gastrointestinal secretions and activity, increased bladder tone, relaxation of the sphincters and bronchoconstriction
Anticholinergic
Drug that opposes the effects of acetylcholine at acetylcholine receptor sites
Belladonna
a plant that contains atropine as an alkaloid; used to dilate pupils as a fashion statement in the past, used as herbal medicine
Cyclopegia
Inability of the lens in the eye to accommodate to near vision, causing blurring and inability to see near objects
Mydriasis
Relaxation of muscles around pupil, leading to pupil dialtion
Parasympatholytic
Lysing or preventing parasympathetic effects
