General Quiz Information

Membrane proteins that open or close in response to a ligand (a signaling molecule), allowing ions to pass through.

Membrane proteins that activate intracellular signaling pathways (secondary messengers) in response to a ligand.

Membrane proteins that activate enzymes inside the cell after ligand binding, often leading to cellular responses.

Receptors located inside the cell, that bind ligands and regulate gene expression.

Cholinergic receptors that induce ion channel opening, leading to muscle contractions or nerve transmission, found in skeletal muscle and autonomic ganglia.

Cholinergic receptors that activate intracellular pathways, affecting smooth muscle, glands, and the heart.

Receptors that are activated by norepinephrine and epinephrine, regulating blood vessel constriction and blood pressure.

Branch of the autonomic nervous system that promotes "rest and digest" functions.

The movement of a drug from the site of administration to the systemic circulation.

Drug form, characteristics, body conditions (food, blood flow), transport mechanisms (P-glycoprotein), and time factors (diarrhea).

The movement of a drug from the systemic circulation to the tissues.

Drug characteristics (size, charge, membrane permeability) and body characteristics (membrane properties).

The processes by which drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated from the body.

Acronym for the four key pharmacokinetic processes (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) of a drug.

A topical medication form that tends to have minimal systemic absorption, often slower penetration.

Medications applied directly to the body surface, like skin, not intended for systemic absorption.

The body regulates fluid levels through mechanisms like thirst, ADH release, the RAAS system, and baroreceptor feedback.

The hypothalamus triggers thirst and releases ADH (antidiuretic hormone) when dehydration occurs, promoting water reabsorption by the kidneys.

The RAAS system activates when blood pressure drops. It causes the kidneys to reabsorb sodium and water, raising blood pressure and fluid retention.

Baroreceptors in the heart and kidneys sense changes in blood pressure. They signal the body to either retain or excrete fluids.

The body monitors blood concentration and volume to maintain fluid balance. The hypothalamus, ADH, RAAS, and baroreceptors are critical for this process.

Histamine is a chemical messenger involved in the immune response and allergic reactions. It triggers inflammation and other responses.

Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter associated with arousal, focus, and the fight-or-flight response. It can also affect appetite and mood.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter crucial for mood regulation, sleep, and appetite. Low levels can lead to depression and anxiety.

Oxytocin is a hormone that promotes bonding and is involved in social behaviors, childbirth, and lactation. It plays a role in emotional connections.

Substance P is a neuropeptide involved in pain signals. It's linked to chronic pain conditions like migraines.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the embryo and placenta. It helps maintain the corpus luteum, crucial for early pregnancy.

Estrogen, produced by the corpus luteum and placenta, promotes growth of the uterus, breasts, and genitalia during pregnancy.

Progesterone, produced by the corpus luteum and placenta, supports early embryo nutrition and prevents premature labor by relaxing the uterus.

The placenta develops from the trophoblast cells of the blastocyst after implantation in the endometrium.

Nitric oxide is involved in vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), neurotransmission and memory.

The force exerted by proteins (like albumin) in the blood that pulls water back into capillaries from the interstitial space.

The process by which fluid, solutes, and small proteins are pushed out of capillaries into the interstitial space, driven by hydrostatic pressure.

Sodium is the main cation in the extracellular fluid. It regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve function.

Potassium is the primary intracellular cation, essential for nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and maintaining cell function.

Calcium is critical for strong bones, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve signaling.

Magnesium is essential for enzyme function, muscle relaxation, and maintaining a normal heart rhythm.

Phosphate plays a role in energy production (ATP), bone health, and cellular metabolism.

Naturally occurring chemicals in the body, like endorphins and enkephalins, that reduce pain by blocking pain signals. They are similar to morphine in their effects.

Short-term pain lasting less than 3 months, typically caused by tissue injury and characterized by sharp, localized pain.

Long-term pain lasting over 3 months, often caused by changes in the nervous system and characterized by dull, persistent pain.

Pain caused by damage to nerves, resulting in tingling, burning, or shooting sensations.

Pain felt in a different location from the source of the injury, often due to shared nerve pathways.