Drugs Used in Nervous System Disorders Flashcards
Acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter that allows a nerve impulse to cross the synaptic junction (gap) between two nerve fibers or between a nerve fiber and an organ (e.g.: muscle, gland).
Acetylcholinesterase
An enzyme that brings about the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synaptic gap.
Adrenergic
A term used to describe an action or a receptor that is activated by epinephrine or norepinephrine.
Analgesia
The absence of the sensation of pain.
Anesthesia
The loss of all sensation. May be described as local (affecting a small area), regional, or surgical (accompanied by unconsciousness).
Autonomic nervous system
That portion of the nervous system that controls involuntary activities.
Catalepsy
A state of involuntary muscle rigidity that is accompanied by immobility, amnesia, and variable amounts of analgesia. Some reflexes may be preserved.
Catecholamine
The class of neurotransmitters that includes dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. When given therapeutically, catecholamines mimic the effects of stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
Cholinergic
Activated by or transmitted through acetylcholine; also called parasympathomimetic. Cholinergic drugs increase activity in the gastrointestinal tract.
Effector
A gland, organ, or tissue that responds to nerve stimulation with a specific action.
Ganglionic synapse
The site of the synapse between neuron one and neuron two of the autonomic nervous system.
Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)
A measure of potency and is the alveolar concentration that prevents movement in 50% of patients in response to a painful stimulus. Lower numbers indicate more potent agents.
Muscarinic receptors
Receptors activated by acetylcholine and muscarine that are found in glands, the heart, and smooth muscle. An acronym for remembering muscarinic effects is SLUD: S, salivation; L, lacrimation; U, urination; D, defecation.
Neuroleptanalgesia
A combination of an opioid with a tranquilizer or sedative.
Nicotinic receptors
Receptors activated by acetylcholine and nicotine found at the neuromuscular junction of the skeletal muscle and at the ganglionic synapses.
Parasympathetic nervous system
That portion of the autonomic nervous system that arises from the craniosacral portion of the spinal cord, is mediated by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and is concerned primarily with conserving and restoring a steady state in the body.
Parasympatholytic
A drug used to inhibit the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Parasympathomimetic
A drug that mimics the effects of stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Precision vaporizer
A part of the anesthesia machine, located out of the circuit, used to convert a liquid anesthetic to a gas state and produce a precise concentration of anesthetic vapor in the carrier gas (oxygen) passing through the vaporizer and delivered to the patient. They are designed for use with only one specific anesthetic agent.
Sedative
A drug used to suppress brain activity and awareness; reduced excitement by causing sleepiness.
Sympathetic nervous system
That portion of the autonomic nervous system that arises from the thoracolumbar spinal cord, is mediated by catecholamines, and is concerned with the fight-or-flight response.
Sympatholytic
A drug used to inhibit the activity of the sympathetic nervous system; block the effects of the adrenergic neurotransmitters.
Sympathomimetic
A drug that mimics the effects of stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
Tranquilizer
A drug used to calm a patient by decreasing anxiety, not necessarily reduce awareness.
Vapor pressure
Vapor pressure of an agent indicated how volatile it is and the maximum concentration that can be achieved. Vapor pressure of an inhalant anesthetic is a measure of its tendency to evaporate.
