| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Acetylcholine | primary neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system; also present at somatic neuromuscular junctions and at sympathetic preganglionic nerves |
| Acetylcholinesterase | (AchE) enzyme that degrades acetylcholine within the synaptic cleft, enhancing effects of the neurotransmitter |
| Adrenergic | relating to nerves that release norepinephrine or epinephrine |
| Adrenergic antagonist | drug that blocks the actions of the sympathetic nervous system |
| Alpha | receptor, type of subreceptor found in the sympathetic nervous system |
| Anticholinergic | drug that blocks the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system |
| Autonomic nervous system | portion of the peripheral nervous system that gives involuntary control over smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands |
| Beta | receptor, type of subreceptor found in the sympathetic nervous system |
| Catecholamines | class of agents secreted in response to stress that includes epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine |
| Central nervous system (CNS) | division of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord |
| Cholinergic | relating to nerves that release acetylcholine |
| Digestion | the process by which the body breaks down ingested food into small molecules that can be absorbed |
| Fight | or,flight response, characteristic set of signs and symptoms produced when the sympathetic nervous system is activated |
| Ganglion | collection of neuron cell bodies located outside the CNS |
| Monoamine oxidase (MAO) | enzyme that destroys norepinephrine in the nerve terminal |
| Muscarinic | type of cholinergic receptor found in smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands |
| Myasthenia gravis | motor disorder caused by a destruction of nicotinic receptors on skeletal muscles and characterized by profound muscular fatigue |
| Nicotinic | type of cholinergic receptor found in ganglia of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems |
| Norepinephrine | primary neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system |
| Parasympathetic nervous system | portion of the autonomic nervous system that is active during periods of rest and which results in the rest or relaxation response |
| Parasympathomimetics | drugs that mimic the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system |
| Peripheral nervous system | division of the nervous system containing all nervous tissue outside the CNS, including the autonomic nervous system |
| Postsynaptic neuron | in a synapse, the nerve that has receptors for the neurotransmitter |
| Respiration | exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs; also the process of deriving energy from metabolic reactions |
| Rest | and,digest response, signs and symptoms produced when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated |
| Somatic nervous system | nerve division that provides voluntary control over skeletal muscle |
| Sympathetic nervous system | portion of the autonomic system that is active during periods of stress and results in the fight,or,flight response |
| Sympathomimetic | drug that stimulates or mimics the sympathetic nervous system |
| Synapse | junction between two neurons consisting of a presynaptic nerve, a synaptic cleft, and a postsynaptic nerve |
| Synaptic transmission | the process by which a neurotransmitter reaches receptors to regenerate the action potential |
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