Key Concepts
This branch of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for "rest and digest" responses.
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
The primary neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system.
What is acetylcholine?
This enzyme breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.
What is acetylcholinesterase?
These receptors are activated by acetylcholine and are divided into muscarinic and nicotinic types.
What are cholinergic receptors?
This β2 agonist is used to treat asthma and COPD.
What is albuterol?
This term describes drugs that mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.
What are sympathomimetics?
These three catecholamines are released from adrenergic nerve endings.
What are norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine?
This enzyme metabolizes catecholamines intraneuronally.
What is monoamine oxidase (MAO)?
This adrenergic receptor subtype is found in the heart and increases heart rate when stimulated.
What is β1?
This drug is a muscarinic antagonist used to dilate pupils during eye exams.
What is atropine?
This division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response and releases norepinephrine from nerve endings.
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
This neurotransmitter is converted from dopamine by dopamine β-hydroxylase.
What is norepinephrine?
This enzyme metabolizes catecholamines post-synaptically and is found in the intestinal wall.
What is COMT?
This muscarinic receptor subtype is found in smooth muscle and causes contraction.
What is M3?
This anticholinesterase drug is used to treat myasthenia gravis.
What is neostigmine?
This toxin blocks acetylcholine release by preventing vesicle fusion.
What is botulinum toxin?
This neurotransmitter is released in response to sympathetic stimulation and promotes bronchodilation.
What is epinephrine?
This enzyme catalyzes the formation of acetylcholine from acetyl-CoA and choline.
What is choline acetyltransferase?
This receptor subtype is targeted by drugs like albuterol to cause bronchodilation.
What is β2?
This nonselective β-blocker can worsen asthma symptoms.
What is propranolol?
This drug class interferes with norepinephrine synthesis or release, reducing sympathetic activity.
What are adrenergic neuronal blockers?
This neurotransmitter is synthesized from choline and acetyl-CoA and is rapidly degraded in the synaptic cleft.
What is acetylcholine?
This enzyme is inhibited by hemicholinium, blocking choline uptake.
What is the Na⁺-choline co-transporter?
This nicotinic receptor subtype is located at the neuromuscular junction and mediates skeletal muscle contraction.
What is nicotinic Nm?
This drug reactivates acetylcholinesterase after organophosphate poisoning.
What is pralidoxime (PAM)?