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organisation of NVS
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the two main nervous system divisions, and what are their primary functions? | Central Nervous:brain and spinal cord, processing sensory information and coordinating responses. Peripheral N.S: Consists of nerves extending from the CNS to the body, facilitating communication and controlling voluntary and involuntary functions. |
| What is the primary purpose of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)? | The SNS prepares the body for stress or danger through the "fight-or-flight" response, mobilising energy reserves and increasing alertness. |
| List vital physiological effects of SNS activation. | Increased heart rate and force of contraction. Vasoconstriction in non-essential areas. Bronchodilation. Pupil dilation. Inhibition of digestion and urination. Increased glucose and fatty acid release. |
| What is the central role of the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)? | The PNS conserves energy and promotes restorative processes like digestion and relaxation through the "rest and digest" response. |
| Describe the primary physiological effects of PNS activation. | Decreased heart rate. Vasodilation to digestive organs. Bronchoconstriction. Stimulation of digestion and saliva production. Promotion of bladder contraction and bowel motility. |
| How do the SNS and PNS maintain homeostasis together? | The SNS and PNS have opposing effects; the SNS dominates during stress, while the PNS prevails during relaxation. This balance maintains stable internal conditions. |
| What is the primary neurotransmitter used in cholinergic signalling, and where is it found? | Acetylcholine (ACh) is the primary neurotransmitter in parasympathetic pathways, sympathetic preganglionic neurons, and the adrenal medulla. |
| What are the two types of cholinergic receptors, and what functions do they serve?1 | Nicotinic Receptors: Found in autonomic ganglia and adrenal medulla, causing excitatory responses by opening ion channels. |
| What are the two types of cholinergic receptors, and what functions do they serve?2 | Muscarinic Receptors: Found in target organs, can be excitatory or inhibitory depending on subtype (e.g., M2 in the heart reduces heart rate, M3 in smooth muscles promotes gut motility). |
| What is the primary neurotransmitter in adrenergic signalling, and which division primarily uses it? | The sympathetic postganglionic neurons primarily use Noradrenaline (norepinephrine). |
| Describe the three main adrenergic receptor subtypes and their effects. | α1: Vasoconstriction increases blood pressure. β1: Increases heart rate and contraction force. β2: Bronchodilation and vasodilation in skeletal muscles. |
| What role does the adrenal medulla play in the SNS response? | The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream during stress, amplifying the body’s fight-or-flight response. |
| What are agonists and antagonists in pharmacology? | Agonists: Activate receptors to mimic neurotransmitter effects. Antagonists: Block receptors, preventing neurotransmitter action. |
| Give an example of a sympathomimetic and a sympatholytic drug and their effects. | Sympathomimetic: Salbutamol, a β2-agonist, causes bronchodilation for asthma relief. Sympatholytic: Propranolol, a β-blocker, lowers heart rate and blood pressure for treating hypertension. |
| What are parasympathomimetic and parasympatholytic drugs, and when are they used | Parasympathomimetic: Pilocarpine stimulates saliva and reduces intraocular pressure. It is used in glaucoma. Parasympatholytic: Atropine dilates pupils and reduces saliva, and it is used in eye exams and surgery. |
| How do adrenoceptor agonists aid in treating conditions like asthma and bradycardia? | Adrenoceptor agonists like Salbutamol (β2-agonist) promote bronchodilation to improve breathing, while Isoprenaline (β1-agonist) increases heart rate to counteract bradycardia. |
| What are the effects and clinical uses of adrenoceptor antagonists (β-blockers)? | β-blockers like Propranolol reduce heart rate, control blood pressure, and manage arrhythmias, commonly used in treating hypertension and anxiety. |
| What are muscarinic agonists used for in clinical practice? | Muscarinic agonists like Pilocarpine treat glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure and stimulating saliva in dry mouth. |
| Describe two clinical applications of muscarinic antagonists. | Muscarinic antagonists include Atropine for pupil dilation in eye exams and Ipratropium for bronchodilation in respiratory conditions. |
| Why is an understanding of ANS pharmacology critical for clinical treatments? | Understanding ANS pharmacology enables targeted treatments that either stimulate or inhibit sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways, optimising outcomes and minimising side effects. |
| What are the divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System, and what does each control?1 | Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Manages involuntary responses in organs, glands, and smooth muscles, |
| What are the divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System, and what does each control?2 | divided into: Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Activates "fight-or-flight" responses. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Manages "rest and digest" functions. Enteric Nervous System: Regulates gastrointestinal functions. |