Wk 4 Vocab Flashcards
Aδ
opioid receptor that primary causes spinal and supraspinal analgesia
Fiber
nerves that transmit sensation of sharp pain
Adjuvent Analgesic
additional pain killers provided when another is not providing sufficient relief.
Analgesics
drugs used to reduce or eliminate pain
Antagonist
A drug that binds to a receptor but does not cause a change in cell activity (SYN: blocker).
Cyclooxygenase (COX)
The key enzyme involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis. This enzyme converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandin G2, thereby providing the precursor for the cell to synthesize additional prostaglandins.
Cytokine
The general term used to describe proteins produced by various immune and inflammatory cells. These proteins act as intercellular chemical signals that help orchestrate immune and inflammatory responses. Common cytokines include the interferons, interleukins, and certain growth factors
Endogenous Opioids
chemicals produced naturally within the body that decease or eliminate pain; closely resemble the actions of morphine
Kappa Opioid Receptor
pain receptor that provides spinal and supra spinal analgesia
Mu Opioid Receptor
pain receptor that provides spinal and supra spinal analgesia. The µ-receptor is the key opioid receptor for pain control.
Noiceptor
receptor connected with nerves that receive and transmit pain signals to the spinal cord and brain.
Opioid
An analgesic drug with morphine like effects; commonly refers to the synthetic forms of these analgesics (SYN: narcotic).
Patient-Controlled Analgesic
A technique that allows the patient to self-administer an opioid or other analgesic medication, typically by activating a pump or other electronic device that provides a small amount of drug during a certain time interval and is programmed to prevent overdose.
Spasticity
Occurs following an injury to the central nervous system (CNS), including cord-related problems (e.g., multiple sclerosis, spinal cord transection) and injuries to the brain (e.g., cerebrovascular accident [CVA], cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury).
Spasms
The increased tension often seen in skeletal muscle after certain musculoskeletal injuries and inflammation, such as muscle strains or nerve root impingements. The tension is involuntary, so the patient is unable to relax the muscle.
