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Chap. 13 Key Terms
Autonomic Nervous System
Term | Definition |
---|---|
acetylcholine (Ach) | primary neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system; also present in somatic neuromuscular junctions and at sympathetic preganglionic nerves |
acetylcholinesterase (AchE) | enzyme that degrades acetylcholine within the synaptic cleft, enhancing effects of the neurotransmitter |
adrenergic | relating to nerves that release norepinephrine or epinephrine |
adrenergic antagonist | drug that blocks the actions of the sympathetic nervous system |
alpha receptor (a receptor) | type of sub receptor found in the sympathetic nervous system |
anticholinergic | drug that blocks the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system |
autonomic nervous system | controls involuntary responses by influencing organs, glands, and smooth muscle |
beta receptor | type of sub receptor found in the sympathetic nervous system |
catecholamines | class of agents secreted in response to stress that include norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (adrenalin) and dopamine |
central nervous system (CNS) | receives and processes information; initiates action |
cholinergic | relating to nerves that release acetylcholine (Ach) |
fight-or-flight response | characteristic set of signs and symptoms produced when the sympathetic nervous system is activated |
ganglionic synapse | region where two neurons meet in a ganglion |
monoamine oxidase (MAO) | enzyme that destroys norepinephrine (NE) in the nerve terminal |
muscarinic | type of cholinergic receptor found in smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands |
myasthenia gravis | motor disorder caused by a destruction of nicotinic receptors on skeletal muscles and characterized by profound muscular fatigue |
nicotinic | type of cholinergic receptor found in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems |
norepinephrine (NE) | primary neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous sytem |
parasympathetic nervous system | portion of the autonomic nervous system that is active during periods of rest and that results in the rest or relaxation response |
parasympathomimetic | drug that mimics the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system |
peripheral nervous system (PNS) | transmits signals between the CNS and the rest of the body |
postganglionic neuron | neuron that receives an action potential from preganglionic neuron |
preganglionic neuron | neuron that creates an action potential and sends it to a postganglionic neuron |
rest-and-digest response | signs and symptoms produced when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated |
somatic nervous system | controls voluntary movements by activating skeletal muscles |
sympathetic nervous system | portion of the autonomic nervous system that is active during periods of stress and results in the fight-or-flight response |
sympatholytic | term referring to inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system; actions opposite of sympathomimetic functions in the body |
sympathomimetic | drug that stimulates or mimics the sympathetic nervous system |
synapse | junction between two neurons consisting of a presynaptic nerve, a synaptic cleft, and a postsynaptic nerve |
synaptic transmission | process by which a neurotransmitter reaches receptors to regenerate the action potential |