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PHAR 370 > Module 2: Introduction to the Nervous System > Flashcards

Module 2: Introduction to the Nervous System Flashcards

1
Q

The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system are sub-divisions of what other nervous systems?

A

Autonomic nervous system, which is a division of the motor (efferent) NS, which is a division of the Peripheral NS.

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2
Q

What is the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) responsible for?

A

“rest and digest” responses. Is activated under non-stressful conditions.
Effects are pupil constriction, decreased HR, increased digestive intestinal activity

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2
Q

What is the sympathetic (SNS) nervous system responsible for?

A

“Fight or flight” responses activated upon stressful conditions
Effects include pupil dilation, increased sweating, HR and BP.

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2
Q

The PSNS preganglionic fibres release ____ that bind to _____ receptors in the ganglia

A

Acetylcholine; nicotinic

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2
Q

The PSNS has ___ preganglionic fibres and ____ postganglionic fibres

A

Long; short

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2
Q

The PSNS postganglionic fibres release ____ that bind to ____ receptors on the target organ

A

Acetylcholine; muscarinic

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2
Q

What kind of receptor is a muscarinic recepto?

A

A G-protein coupled receptor

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2
Q

What kind of receptor is a nicotinic receptor?

A

A ligand-gated ion chanel

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2
Q

What enzyme breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft?

A

Acetylcholinesterase (AchE)

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2
Q

T/F - Drugs that stimulate the PSNS are called adrenergic drugs

A

False - they are called cholinergic drugs (adrenergic is for SNS)

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2
Q

Drugs can activate the parasympathetic nervous system through what 3 main actions?

A

Binding and activating nicotinic receptors
Binding and activating muscarinic receptors
Blocking the metabolism of acetylcholine (inhibiting AchE)

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2
Q

Cholinergic drugs are used to activate the PSNS in what medical conditions?

A

Glaucoma, poor muscle tone in the bladder

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3
Q

Anti-cholinergic drugs are used in what medical conditions?

A

Respiratory disorders, GI disorders, Urinary disorders

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3
Q

What are two main side affect of cholinergic drugs?

A

Slowing of the heart rate and constriction of the respiratory passages

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3
Q

The SNS has ____ preganglionic neurons and ____ postganglionic neurons

A

Short; long

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3
Q

The SNS preganglionic neurons release ___ at the ganglia, activating ____ receptors

A

Acetylcholine; nicotinic

3
Q

What is the main side affect of anticholinergic drugs?

A

Tachycardia

4
Q

The SNS postganglionic neurons release ____ or _____ at the target organ, activating ____, ____, _____ and ____ receptors, depending on the tissue

A

norepinephrine or acetylcholine (in sweat glands and smooth muscle); alpha and beta receptors, M receptors (sweat glands), dopamine (smooth muscle),

5
Q

Describe how the adrenal medulla gets activated

A

Long SNS preganglionic fibres release acetylcholine, which bind to nicotinic receptors on the adrenal medulla, ultimately releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla

6
Q

Describe the location and response of Alpha1 receptors

A

Smooth muscle (blood vessels, GI muscle, uterus)
Contracts smooth muscle in BV and uterus, decreases motility and tone in GI tract

7
Q

Describe the location and response of Alpha2 receptors

A

Post-synaptically on smooth muscle, pre-synaptically on the neuronal membrane.
Contracts smooth muscle and decreases release of norepinephrine from the presynaptic neurons (decreasing sympathetic activation)

8
Q

Describe the location and response of Beta1 receptors

A

Heart, GI muscle
Increases HR and force of contraction
Relaxes GI smooth muscle

9
Q

Describe the location and response of Beta2 receptors

A

Lungs, blood vessels, GI muscle, uterus
Relaxes smooth muscle

10
Q

What are the common adverse effects of adrenergic activators?

A

Headache, restlessness, tremors, nervousness, dizziness, excitement, insomnia, eurphoria, heart palpitations, tachycardia, vasoconstriction, hypertension, dry mouth, nausea, vomitting, muscle cramps

11
Q

In what medical conditions are adrenergic activators used? What receptors do they act on in each condition?

A

Anaphylaxis: both
Cardiac applications: Beta-receptors
Nasal congestion: Alpha 1
Ophthalmic: Alpha 1
Pulmonary: Beta2

12
Q

In what medical conditions are anti-adrenergic activators used? What receptors do they act on in each condition?

A

Pheochromocytoma
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Alpha 1
Angina and congestive heart failure: Beta1
Glaucoma: Either beta or beta1
Neurological disease: beta

13
Q

T/F The somatic system has pre and post ganglionic neurons

A

False! They just have one neuron that goes from the CNS to the skeletal muscle

14
Q

The neuron releases ____ at the ____ receptor on skeletal muscle

A

Acetylcholine; nicotinic

15
Q

Describe non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers

A

Act like competitive antagonists, blocking nicotinic receptors and thereby inhibiting the binding of acetylcholine. Inhibits contraction of the muscle (aka - not allowing for the depolarization of the skeleton to cause a contraction)

16
Q

Describe depolarizing neuromuscular blockers

A

Act like agonists, activating nicotinic receptors, causing contraction. Resistant to acetylcholinesterase breakdown and therefore can cause continual activation of the receptors - leading to muscle paralysis and desensitization to acetylcholine

17
Q

What are two clinical indications for neuromuscular blockers?

A

Surgery, endotracheal intubation

18
Q

What are the 5 physiological characteristics of general anesthesia?

A

Hypnosis (loss of consciousness)
Amnesia (loss of memory)
Analgesia (loss of response to pain)
Areflexia (loss of autonomic response)
Relaxation (skeletal muscle relaxation)

19
Q

What are the two theorized mechanisms to how anesthesia works?

A

Facilitation of GABA-mediated inhibition at the GABA receptor chloride channel, which strengthens the inhibitory function of GABA, increasing CNS depression

Antagonism of glutamic acid excitation of NMDA channel receptor, which decreases excitation in the CNS

20
Q

What are the two types of inhaled anesthetics?

A

Nitrous oxide (N2O)
Voltile anesthetics (isoflurane, halothane)

21
Q

What are the two types of intravenous anesthetics?

A

Propofol
Ketamine

22
Q

What are some factors influencing substance use disorder

A

Genetic factors
Pre-existing disorders
Environmental factors
Developmental factors (ex., adolescence)

23
Q

What are the five factors that determine misuse potential? Give an example of how each factor could increase misuse

A

Nature of the drug. Ex., pleasurable effects
Route of administration. Ex., routes that can give rapid effects
Amount/Frequency of use. Ex., drugs that have to be taken more frequently
Availability. Ex., if it can be readily obtained
Inherent Harmfulness. Ex. It’s not going to kill you with just a little dose

PHAR 370 (3 decks)

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