Central Nervous System & Drug Discovery Flashcards
What is the difference between the CNS and PNS?
CNS - central nervous system (brain & spinal cord) - serves as a collection point of nerve impulses
PNA - peripheral nervous system (include all nerves not in the CNS)
Role of spinal cord
Conducts information from periphery to the brain and back
Controls reflexes eg. reaction to pain
Lower brain/subcortical level
Made up of
Controls most subconscious activities e.g. BP, respiration, salivation, emotional patterns
PNS - information retention
only retains essential information
- 99% of sensory information is discarded
What is the basic plan of the mammalian autonomic nervous system?
- sympathetic
- parasympathetic
- enteric nervous systems
Where do the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems link?
between the CNS and peripheral organs
enteric nervous systems
comprises the intrinsic nerve plexuses of the GI tract, which are closely interconnected with the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems,
Role of the CNS
Collecting information from sensory nerves
Processing and responding to sensory input
Regulating all body functions
Coordinating body movements
Role of the PNS
Receives stimuli and after the CNS interprets them, the PNS initiates responses.
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals capable of producing effects on the activity and function of the CNS.
Main known neurotransmitters & their roles
Acetylcholine (Ach) - memory & learning; stimulation of parasympathetic system
Noradrenaline (NA/NE) - mania-depression & emotions stimulation of sympathetic system
Serotonin - biological rhythms, sleep, emotion, and pain
Cholinergic nerves
nerves that release Ach
Adrenergic nerves
nerves that release NA
Drug action in the CNS
Depending on where a drug acts
within its local circuit will have a major
influence on the final output.
Areas of drug action in the CNS
