Autonomic Nervous System Flashcards
What is the function of the ANS?
Responsible for functions that are not under conscious awareness
List 3 structures that the ANS innervates to either excite or inhibit.
Smooth muscle
Cardiac muscle
Glands
What 2 systems make up the ANS?
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic systems
Autonomic pathways consist of _____ that synapse in an autonomic ganglion.
two neurons
Preganglionic and postganglionic neurons
What are the 2 biggest differences between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?
Somatic consists of a single neuron from the CNS to the effector organ; STIMULATORY effect
ANS consists of a 2 chain neuron from the CNS to the effector organs; STIMULATORY AND INHIBITORY effects
What neurotransmitter is released from the preganglionic neuron to bind onto the postganglionic neuron in both ANS (both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems)?
Acetylcholine
_____ is the terminal effector neurotransmitter of the sympathetic system.
Norepinephrine
_____ is the terminal effector neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic system.
Acetylcholine
The preganglionic fibers in the sympathetic system are ____ , but _____ in the parasympathetic system.
Short in sympathetic
Long in parasympathetic
Sympathetic fibers originate from the _____ area.
Thoracolumbar area
Parasympathetic fibers originate from the ____ and ____ areas.
Cranial
Sacral
_____ receptors are found in the motor end plate/adrenal medulla.
Nicotinic receptors
_____ receptors are found in the viscera.
Muscarinic
List the 8 actions that take place during the flight or fight response.
- Pupils dilate
- Increased heart rate
- Increased contractility
- Bronchiole dilation
- GI tract shuts down (walls relax and sphincters contract)
- Bladder walls relax and its sphincter contracts
- Blood shunted from GI and skin to the muscles
- Increased gluconeogenesis
List 2 mechanisms of action of parasympathomimetic agents.
- Cholinergic agonists (cholinomimetics): direct acting on the Ach receptor
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors: indirect acting, block the enzyme acetylcholinesterase
List 5 ADRs associated with parasympathomimetic agents.
- increased sweating
- Bronchial constriction
- Abdominal cramps
- Bradycardia and decreased cardiac output
- Urinary incontinence puts patient at risk for integumentary issues
What is the mechanism of action for anticholinergic drugs?
Block the muscarinic receptors
List 7 ADRs associated with anticholinergic drugs?
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Urinary retention
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Decreased sweating
- Dementia
What is the mechanism of action for adrenergic agonists?
Bind to adrenergic receptors; mimic effects of NE or Epi
List 2 ADRs associated with the use of adrenergic agents.
Tachycardia
Hypertension
List 3 indications for the use of adrenergic agonists (epinephrine).
Anaphylactic shock
Hemostatic agent (I.e novacane)
Cardiac arrest
