CVS4 (Cellular events + ANS) Flashcards
What is responsible for setting the resting membrane potential of a cell? How is this maintained?
Cell membrane is more permeable to K+ ions (at rest), compared to other ions, due to leaky K+ channels
Na+/K+-ATPase pump
What is responsible for establishing the Na+ and K+ ion gradients between intracellular and extracellular fluid?
Na+/K+-ATPase pump
Is there a higher concentration of Na+ inside or outside a cell (at rest, in normal conditions)?
Outside cell
Is there a higher concentration of K+ inside or outside a cell (at rest, in normal conditions)?
Inside cell
Why doesn’t the resting membrane potential (of a cardiac cell) = Ek?
Because the membrane is slightly permeable to other ions, such as Na+/Ca2+/Cl-
What is the resting membrane potential of a cardiac cell (in mV)?
-90 mV
What is Ek (in mV)?
-95 mV
Which channels mediate the depolarisation of ventricular myocytes?
Voltage-gated Na+ channels
Which channels mediate the initial repolarisation of ventricular myocytes?
- Closure of voltage-gated Na+ channels
- Opening of transient outward K+ channels
Which channels mediate the ‘plateau’ type repolarisation of ventricular myocytes?
- Opening of L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels
- Activation of voltage-gated K+ channels
Which channels mediate the rapid repolarisation of ventricular myocytes?
- Closure of Ca2+ channels
- Activation of voltage-gated K+ channels
Which channels mediate the pacemaker potential of the SAN (Funny current)?
HCN channels (Hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated) = Na+ influx
Which channels mediate the rapid upstroke of SAN depolarisation?
Opening of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels
Which channels mediate the rapid repolarisation of the SAN?
Opening of voltage-gated K+ channels
What is the fastest pacemaker cell in the heart to depolarise?
The sinoatrial node
What are the name of the proteins in gap junctions responsible for ion movement between cardiac myocytes?
Connexins
Name the 3 ways to reduce intracellular [Ca2+] after excitation-contraction in cardiac myocytes:
1) SERCA
2) PMCA
3) Na+/Ca2+ exchanger
What must have happened to the myosin light chain to allow actin-myosin interaction?
Phosphorylation (by MLCK)
What process activates MLCK?
Ca2+ binding to Calmodulin
Name the enzyme which dephosphorylates the myosin light chain:
Myosin light chain phosphatase
Name the enzyme which phosphorylates MLCK:
Protein kinase A (PKA)
How does phosphorylation of MLCK affect its activity?
It inhibits the action of MLCK:
- Inhibits phosphorylation of the myosin light chain
- Inhibits contraction
Name the 3 tissue types which can be controlled by the ANS:
1) Smooth muscle
2) Cardiac tissue (SAN + muscle)
3) Exocrine glands
What are the 2 divisions of the ANS?
1) Parasympathetic
2) Sympathetic
From which regions of the spinal cord do the parasympathetic nerves emerge from?
- Medullary region
- Sacrum
Give the alternative name for the 10th cranial nerve:
Vagus nerve
Name the 7 regions of the body that are controlled by the vagus nerve:
1) Pharynx
2) Larynx
3) Trachea
4) Oesophagus
5) Lungs
6) Heart
7) Upper GI tract
Where does the vagus nerve originate from?
Medulla oblongata
Which branch of the ANS has short preganglionic nerves, and long postganglionic nerves?
Sympathetic NS
Which branch of the ANS has long Preganglionic nerves and short postganglionic nerves?
Parasympathetic NS
The Paravertebral chain is part of which division of the ANS?
Sympathetic NS
From which regions of the spinal cord do the sympathetic nerves emerge from?
Thoracic and Lumbar regions
Preganglionic sympathetic neurones arise from which spinal cord segments?
T1 –> L2/3
NAchR’s have an integral ion channel which is permeable to which ions?
Na+
K+
What is the endogenous agonist of a nAchR?
Acetylcholine
What neurotransmitter is produced and released from preganglionic neurones of the ANS?
Acetylcholine
What neurotransmitter is produced and released from most postganglionic sympathetic neurones?
NA