Module 5: ANS Flashcards
What are the components of the peripheral nervous system?
Somatic and autonomic
What does the somatic nervous system control?
Controls voluntary movements
What does the autonomic nervous system control?
Controls involuntary control or movement (smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, glands)
What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic – fight or flight
Parasympathetic – rest and digest
What are the receptors of the parasympathetic system?
Cholinergic receptors
What are the receptors of the sympathetic nervous system?
Adrenergic receptors - Alpha or Beta
What system do you medications affect the most?
Autonomic nervous system
What is the primary Neurotransmitter of the sympathetic system?
Norepinephrine (NE)
What is the primary neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic system?
Acetylcholine (ACh)
What do adrenergic agonists do?
Mimic sympathetic neurotransmitters. (epi and norepi)
What are some common side/adverse effects of adrenergic agonist medications?
Side effects- also sympathetic.
Palpitation, tachycardia, drug induced hypertension, drug induced urinary retention, drug induced constipation.
What do adrenergic blockers do?
Block alpha and beta receptor sites.
Indirectly inhibit the release of norepi and epi.
Most widely prescribed autonomic drugs (treatment for hypertension, increase urine flow for BPH- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) effect is parasympathetic
What are some side effects of adrenergic blockers?
All para – dizziness, drowsiness, light headedness. Bradychardia, orthostatic hypotension, drug induced urinary frequency.
What is orthostatic hypotension?
a serious medical condition wherein a person’s blood pressure falls when standing or sitting.
What medications mimic the neurotransmitter acetylcholine? What are they used to treat?
Cholinergic agonists. Direct acting cholinergic agonist- to increase smooth muscle tone- used by patients with urinary retention.
