p.7
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
Where are the ganglia of the Parasympathetic Nervous System located?
They are located close to or on the target organ.
p.9
Autonomic Nervous System Overview
Where are autonomic integrating areas located in the brain?
In the brainstem and hypothalamus.
p.4
Cholinergic Receptors and Their Functions
What type of receptors does acetylcholine bind to on the postganglionic neuron in the SNS?
Nicotinic cholinergic receptors (Nn)
p.4
Neurotransmitters in Autonomic Nervous System
What are the exceptions to the typical neurotransmitter and receptor pairing in the SNS?
Acetylcholine binds to muscarinic receptors on sweat glands and dopamine on renal vascular smooth muscle.
p.4
Adrenergic Receptors and Their Effects
Where are epinephrine and norepinephrine released into and what do they bind to?
They are released into the blood and bind to adrenergic receptors.
p.5
Clinical Applications of Autonomic Pharmacology
What is the effect of adding epinephrine to lidocaine in local anesthesia?
It usually extends the duration of anesthesia by at least 50%.
p.10
Autonomic Reflexes and Blood Pressure Regulation
What do afferent (sensory) fibers do in the autonomic reflex arc?
They carry the stimulus information to the CNS.
p.10
Autonomic Reflexes and Blood Pressure Regulation
What is the difference between a short reflex and a long reflex in the autonomic nervous system?
A short reflex bypasses the CNS, while a long reflex involves the CNS.
p.10
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) Functions
What is the appropriate reflex response of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system to raise blood pressure?
The parasympathetic division generally does not act to raise blood pressure; it primarily functions to lower heart rate and promote relaxation.
p.6
Clinical Applications of Autonomic Pharmacology
What is the function/use of an EPI Pen?
It utilizes epinephrine, which has a higher affinity for β2 receptors.
p.9
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) Functions
Are the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system primarily anabolic or catabolic?
Primarily anabolic in nature.
p.1
Autonomic Nervous System Overview
What types of tissues does the somatic nervous system innervate?
The somatic nervous system innervates skeletal muscle.
p.4
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Functions
What does the adrenal medulla release when activated in the SNS?
Epinephrine (80%) and norepinephrine (20%) as neurohormones.
p.5
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Functions
What are some major effects produced by postganglionic fibers entering the thoracic cavity in sympathetic nerves?
Acceleration of heart rate and increasing the strength of cardiac contractions; dilation of respiratory passageways.
p.5
Clinical Applications of Autonomic Pharmacology
Why is an EpiPen used for allergic reactions?
Because epinephrine (EPI) has a greater affinity for β2 receptors than norepinephrine (NE).
p.10
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
What is the role of the pre-ganglionic neuron in the autonomic reflex arc?
It transmits signals from the CNS to the autonomic ganglion.
p.8
Cholinergic Receptors and Their Functions
What is the function of the nicotinic receptor in the PNS?
It is a non-specific cation channel that allows Na+ influx and K+ efflux, causing depolarization.
p.8
Cholinergic Receptors and Their Functions
What causes muscle relaxation in relation to acetylcholine release?
Relaxation occurs when the nerve stops releasing acetylcholine.
p.7
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) Functions
What is the main difference in the effects of the PNS compared to the SNS?
The PNS tends to have more localized effects in the body, such as urination, versus the mass activation of many tissues at once that occurs in the SNS.
p.9
Clinical Applications of Autonomic Pharmacology
What are some gastrointestinal side effects of anticholinergic drugs?
Xerostomia (dry mouth), constipation, ileus, and nausea and vomiting.
p.9
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) Functions
What are some actions of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)?
Digestion, urination, miosis, bronchoconstriction, bradycardia, lacrimation, and salivation.
p.1
Autonomic Nervous System Overview
What types of tissues does the autonomic nervous system innervate?
The autonomic nervous system innervates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, glands, and adipose tissue.
p.1
Autonomic Nervous System Overview
What type of response can the autonomic nervous system cause at the target organ synapse?
The autonomic nervous system can be either excitatory or inhibitory at the target organ synapse, depending on the specific receptor on the target cell.
p.5
Clinical Applications of Autonomic Pharmacology
What is albuterol, and what is it used for?
Albuterol is a Beta 2 selective agonist used for the treatment of asthma as it causes bronchodilation by relaxing smooth muscle.
p.10
Autonomic Reflexes and Blood Pressure Regulation
What happens to blood pressure during a hemorrhage?
Blood pressure initially decreases.
p.8
Cholinergic Receptors and Their Functions
What type of receptors are all muscarinic receptors?
GPCRs (G protein-coupled receptors)
p.3
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
From which regions of the spinal cord do the pre-ganglionic neurons of the SNS exit?
Thoracic and lumbar regions.
p.1
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
How many neurons are involved in the autonomic nervous system pathway between the CNS and target organs?
The autonomic nervous system consists of two neurons (pre-ganglionic and post-ganglionic) that synapse in ganglia. The post-ganglionic neuron synapses with the target organ.
p.5
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Functions
When does the sympathetic nervous system dominate?
When the body is stressed—physically or emotionally.
p.2
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
What are the names of the two neurons that run from the CNS to effector organs in the Autonomic Nervous System?
Preganglionic neuron and postganglionic neuron.
p.10
Autonomic Reflexes and Blood Pressure Regulation
What is the function of the integrating center in the spinal cord or brain in autonomic reflexes?
It processes the sensory information and generates a response.
p.10
Autonomic Reflexes and Blood Pressure Regulation
How does the body detect a decrease in blood pressure during a hemorrhage?
Receptors called baroreceptors detect the decrease and activate afferent nerve fibers that send a message to the CNS.
p.7
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
Where does the pre-ganglionic neuron of the Parasympathetic Nervous System exit?
It exits the brain and sacral region of the spinal cord.
p.3
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
Why are the ganglia of the SNS located close to the CNS?
Because the pre-ganglionic neurons are short.
p.1
Autonomic Nervous System Overview
What does the autonomic nervous system control?
The autonomic nervous system controls the visceral functions of the body by monitoring (sensory) and adjusting (motor) the activity of cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, glands, and adipose tissue.
p.1
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
How many neurons are involved in the somatic nervous system pathway between the CNS and skeletal muscle?
The somatic nervous system consists of a single neuron between the CNS and skeletal muscle.
p.2
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
What are varicosities used for in the Autonomic Nervous System?
They are used at the synapse between the postganglionic neuron and the effector cell.
p.10
Autonomic Reflexes and Blood Pressure Regulation
What is the baroreceptor reflex?
An autonomic reflex that regulates blood pressure.
p.8
Cholinergic Receptors and Their Functions
Which receptor does acetylcholine bind to on the target organ in the PNS?
Muscarinic cholinergic receptors
p.8
Cholinergic Receptors and Their Functions
What are the primary locations of M3 muscarinic receptors?
Exocrine glands, smooth muscle (bladder, airways), endothelium, and sweat glands (sympathetic function)
p.7
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
What are the characteristics of pre-ganglionic and post-ganglionic motor neurons in the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)?
The PNS has long pre-ganglionic motor neurons and short post-ganglionic motor neurons.
p.9
Clinical Applications of Autonomic Pharmacology
What condition can cause sialorrhea (drooling) in patients taking certain medications?
Taking anti-cholinesterases, such as those used in the treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease.
p.9
Autonomic Nervous System Overview
Which part of the nervous system dominates at rest?
The parasympathetic nervous system.
p.2
Autonomic Nervous System Overview
What are the two divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System?
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic.
p.1
Somatic Nervous System Functions
What type of response can the somatic nervous system cause at the neuromuscular junction?
The somatic nervous system can only cause excitation at the neuromuscular junction because ACh binds to nicotinic ACh receptors on skeletal muscle cells.
p.2
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
Where do the two neurons of the Autonomic Nervous System synapse?
In structures called ganglia.
p.10
Autonomic Reflexes and Blood Pressure Regulation
What is the role of receptors in peripheral tissue in the autonomic reflex arc?
They detect stimuli and activate afferent (sensory) fibers.
p.10
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
What is the role of the post-ganglionic neuron in the autonomic reflex arc?
It transmits signals from the autonomic ganglion to the peripheral effector.
p.8
Cholinergic Receptors and Their Functions
Which receptor does acetylcholine bind to on the postganglionic neuron in the PNS?
Nicotinic cholinergic receptors (Nn)
p.8
Cholinergic Receptors and Their Functions
What are the primary locations of M1 muscarinic receptors?
Stomach (secretions) and salivary glands
p.9
Cholinergic Receptors and Their Functions
What is the mechanism of action of anticholinergic drugs like amitriptyline (Elavil)?
They inhibit the effects of acetylcholine (ACH) systemically via muscarinic receptors.
p.3
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Functions
What can the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) do during a stress response?
Selectively activate effectors or elicit a mass discharge.
p.4
Adrenergic Receptors and Their Effects
What type of receptors does norepinephrine bind to on most target organs in the SNS?
Adrenergic receptors (α/β)
p.5
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Functions
What are some major effects produced by sympathetic postganglionic fibers in spinal nerves?
Constriction of cutaneous blood vessels, reduction in circulation to the skin and most other organs in the body wall; acceleration of blood flow to skeletal muscles and brain; stimulation of energy production and use by skeletal muscle tissue; release of stored lipids from subcutaneous adipose tissue; stimulation of secretion by sweat glands; stimulation of arrector pili; dilation of the pupils and focusing for distant objects.
p.4
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Functions
What cells in the adrenal medulla contain the enzyme phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT), and what does this enzyme do?
Chromaffin cells contain PNMT, which catalyzes the conversion of norepinephrine to epinephrine.
p.2
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) Functions
Which system is usually predominant at rest?
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS).
p.5
Clinical Applications of Autonomic Pharmacology
How does the addition of epinephrine affect the systemic absorption of injected local anesthetics?
Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction (via alpha 1 receptors) at the site of administration, decreasing blood absorption, facilitating neuronal uptake, enhancing quality of analgesia, prolonging duration of action, and limiting toxic side effects.
p.5
Adrenergic Receptors and Their Effects
To which receptors do epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) bind?
They bind to α1, α2, β1, β2, and β3 receptors.
p.10
Ganglia and Neuron Structure in Autonomic Pathways
What is the function of the autonomic ganglion in the autonomic reflex arc?
It serves as a relay station where the pre-ganglionic neuron synapses with the post-ganglionic neuron.
p.10
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Functions
What is the appropriate reflex response of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system to raise blood pressure?
The sympathetic division will increase heart rate and cause vasoconstriction to raise blood pressure.
p.8
Cholinergic Receptors and Their Functions
What happens when acetylcholine binds to the NM receptor?
It elicits muscle contraction.
p.8
Cholinergic Receptors and Their Functions
Where are M2 muscarinic receptors primarily found?
Myocardium, cardiac autorhythmic cells, and smooth muscle (GI sphincters)
