Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) OVERVIEW

Question 1

Two seperate systems to ANS

Answer 1

1. Sympathetic (Adrenergic)
2. Parasympothetic (Cholinergic)

Question 2

Sympathetic (Adrenergic) Agonists
AKA “sympathomimetics”

Answer 2

3 Main sympathetic neurotransmitters (catecholamines)
1. Epinephrine
2. Norepinephrine (NE)
3. Dopamine

Question 3

Adrenergic Receptors

Answer 3

1. Alpha 1- post-synaptic and found in the tissue, muscles, and organs controlled by the specific nerve
2. Alpha 2- pre-synaptic and control the release of neurotransmitters
3. Beta 1- post-synpatic and located in the heart
4. Beta 2- post-synpatic and located in the lungs
5. Dopaminergic- cause blood vessels to dilate in the kidneys, mesentery, heart, and brain which INCREASE blood flow

Question 4

Enzymes that metabolize catecholamines

Answer 4

1. Monoamine oxidase (MAO): breaks down catecholamines in nerve endings
2. Catechol orthomethyltransferase (COMT): breaks down catecholamines that are outside the nerve endings

Question 5

Sympathetic Stimulators (Sympathomimetics)

Answer 5

1. Adrenergic
2. Alpha agonists
3. Beta agonists

Question 6

Sympathetic Inhibitors (Sympatholytics)

Answer 6

1. Anti-adrenergic
2. Alpha antagonists
3. Beta antagonists
4. Alpha blockers
5. Beta blockers

Question 7

Parasympathetic Nervous System (Cholinergic)

Answer 7

PRIMARY NEUROTRANSMITTER IS ACETYLCHOLINE

AKA “Parasympathomimetics”

Question 8

Cholinergic (Acetylcholine) Receptors

Answer 8

1. Nicotinic receptors- located in ganglia of the PNS & SNS
2. Muscarinic receptors- located post-synpatic in the heart, smooth muscles, and some glands

Question 9

Enzymes that breaks down Acetylcholine

Answer 9

CHOLINESTERASE

-Cholinesterase INHIBITOR drug would BLOCK this enzyme, leaving more acetylcholine available

Question 10

2 Types of Parasympathetic Meds

Answer 10

1. Cholinergic
2. Anti-cholinergic