Physiology Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is a neurotransmitter
A chemical that passes from the axon of one nerve cell to the dendrite of the next cell and carry messages across the gap between the two nerve cells.
What is a hormone
Chemicals produced by the body’s endocrine system that are carried through the blood stream to the target organ. They exert great influence on the growth and development of the individual and they aid in the regulation of numerous body processes.
What is a dendrite
Part of the neuron that receives neurotransmitters
What is an axon
Part of a neuron that sends out a neurotransmitter
What is a synapse
The gap between two neurons
2 types of nerves that make up the Autonomic Nervous Sub- System
Sympathetic Nerves and Parasympathetic Nerves
Cocaine: sympathomimetic or parasympathomimetic
Heroine: sympathomimetic or parasympathomimetic
Cocaine: sympathomimetic
Heroin: parasympathomimetic
Drug Influence Evaluation Clinical Indicators
Pulse Rate
Blood Pressure
Temperature
Describe arteries
arteries constrict to aid distribution of blood.
What are the 2 separate circulation systems?
Systemic system involves the whole body and is driven by the left side of the heart
Pulmonary system deals with the passage of blood through the lungs and is driven by the right side of the heart
Define Pulse
The rhythmic dilation and relaxation of an artery that results from the beating of the heart
Define Pulse Rate
The number of pulsations in an artery per minute
Define Artery
A strong, elastic blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body tissues
Define Vein
A blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart from the body tissues
3 types of pulses
radial, brachial and carotid
Pulse Rate terms and definitions
Tachycardia – abnormally rapid heart rate
Bradycardia – unusually slow heart rate
Arrhythmia – abnormal heart rhythm
Blood Pressure Measurement
Millimeters of Mercury = mmHg
What is blood pressure?
Blood Pressure is the force the circulating blood exerts on the walls of the arteries
What is systolic pressure?
Blood Pressure reaches its maximum as the heart contracts and sends the blood surging through the arteries
What is diastolic pressure?
Blood Pressure reaches its minimum when the heart is fully expanded
What is a Sphygmomanometer?
The device used for measuring blood pressure is called a sphygmomanometer.
