Question

Nervous tissue is made of cells called ___________ that transmit _____________ from the brain or spinal cord to the ____________ or _______________ or detect information from the _____________ (like heat) to trigger a ______________ like a reflex. (Examples: a reflex or release of insulin from the pancreas after a meal.)

Answer 1

Answer:

This manuscript discusses the physiology of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The following topics are presented: regulation of activity; efferent pathways; sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions; neurotransmitters, their receptors and the termination of their activity; functions of the ANS; and the adrenal medullae. In addition, the application of this material to the practice of pharmacy is of special interest. Two case studies regarding insecticide poisoning and pheochromocytoma are included. The ANS and the accompanying case studies are discussed over 5 lectures and 2 recitation sections during a 2-semester course in Human Physiology. The students are in the first-professional year of the doctor of pharmacy program.

Keywords: autonomic nervous system, sympathetic, parasympathetic, adrenergic, cholinergic, physiology

INTRODUCTION

This manuscript presents a detailed review of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). A thorough knowledge of this system is quite important as it prepares the pharmacy student for further studies in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and therapeutics. The ANS plays a crucial role in the maintenance of homeostasis. Furthermore, this system may play a role in many systemic diseases (eg, heart failure) and drugs that affect this system may improve (eg, β2-adrenergic agonists and asthma) or exacerbate (eg, α1-adrenergic agonists and hypertension) various disease symptoms and processes. Although this manuscript focuses primarily on the basic anatomy and physiology of the ANS, references to diseases and medications involving the ANS are included to illustrate the application of this system to the practice of pharmacy.

Answer 2

Answer:

i) neuron

ii) impulse

iii) muscles

iv) gland

v) brain

vi) stimulus