High-Yield Terms ANS Flashcards
(12 cards)
Define adrenergic
A nerve ending that releases norepinephrine as the primary transmitter; also, a synapse in which norepinephrine is the primary transmitter
Define adrenoceptor, adrenergic receptor
A receptor that binds, and is activated by, one of the catecholamine transmitters or hormones (norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine) and related drugs
Explain the baroreceptor reflex
The neuronal homeostatic mechanism that maintains a constant arterial blood pressure
–> The sensory limb originates in the baroreceptors of the carotid sinus and aortic arch
–> Efferent pathways run in the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves
Define cholinergic
A nerve ending that release ACh; also, a synapse in which the primary neurotransmitter is ACh
Define cholinoceptor, cholinergic receptor
A receptor that binds, and is activated by, ACh and related drugs
Define dopaminergic
A nerve ending that release dopamine as the primary transmitter; also a synapse in which dopamine is the primary transmitter
Explain the homeostatic reflex
A compensatory mechanism for maintaing a body function at a predetermined level, for example, the baroreceptor reflex for blood pressure
Explain the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) system
Nerve fibers associated with autonomic nerves that release purines or peptides, not norepinephrine or ACh
Define parasympathetic
The part of the ANS that originates in the cranial nerves and sacral part of the spinal cord; the craniosacral autonomic system
Define postsynaptic receptor
A receptor located on the distal side of a synapse, for example, on a postganglionc neuron or an autonomic effector cell
Define presynaptic receptor
A receptor located on the nerve ending from which the transmitter is released into the synapse; modulates the release of NT
Define sympathetic
The part of the ANS that originates in the thoracic and lumbar parts of the spinal cord (T1- L2)
