Neurotransmitters in the Autonomic Nervous System

The brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and controlling bodily functions.

The network of nerves and ganglia that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

The smallest functional unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information.

The concept that the nervous system is composed of individual cells, not a continuous network.

The study of how the nervous system functions.

The study of the structure of the nervous system.

Nerves that carry signals from the CNS to muscles and glands, controlling movement and other functions.

Nerves that carry signals from sensory organs to the CNS, providing information about the external world.

A protective barrier that shields the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream.

Astrocytes are star-shaped cells that play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier.

The blood-brain barrier is a challenge for drug delivery to the brain, especially when treating neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and brain cancer.

Rabies is a deadly viral infection that affects the brain. It is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

After symptoms appear, there is no cure for rabies. However, rapid treatment with anti-rabies antibodies before symptoms show can help fight the infection.

The blood-brain barrier prevents immune cells and antibodies from entering the brain, making it difficult to fight infections like rabies.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule that can be inhibited through various neurotransmitter receptors, including NMDA and substance P. This inhibition can impact the function of the blood-brain barrier.

Drugs that target the brain often face challenges in crossing the blood-brain barrier due to its protective nature.

Nerves in the autonomic nervous system are categorized based on the primary neurotransmitter released at their synapses.

ACh stands for acetylcholine. Neurons that release ACh are called cholinergic neurons.

NE stands for norepinephrine. Neurons that release NE are called adrenergic neurons.

The parasympathetic nervous system uses acetylcholine as its primary neurotransmitter at both preganglionic and postganglionic synapses.

The sympathetic nervous system uses acetylcholine at its preganglionic synapse and norepinephrine at its postganglionic synapse.

The interface between a neuron and its target cell, where neurotransmitters are released.

ACh and NE bind to different receptors on target cells, leading to distinct responses.

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is a control system that operates largely unconsciously, regulating functions like heart rate, digestion, breathing, and blood pressure.

The central nervous system (CNS) is the control center of the body, consisting of the brain and spinal cord. It receives information from the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and sends out commands to the body.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the network of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body. It acts as a messenger, carrying information to and from the CNS.

Afferent nerves carry sensory information from the body to the CNS, like feeling pain or warmth.

Efferent nerves carry motor commands from the CNS to the body, telling muscles to move.

The somatic nervous system (SNS) controls voluntary movements, like walking or typing.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary actions, like breathing or heartbeat.

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS), a branch of the ANS, prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, like increased heart rate or breathing.

The parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), another branch of the ANS, helps the body relax and conserve energy after a stressful situation.

The difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of a cell membrane.

Specialized proteins embedded in the cell membrane that allow ions to pass through.

The movement of ions across a cell membrane, creating an electrical signal.

Ion channels that open or close in response to changes in the membrane potential.

The process of changing the membrane potential of a cell by opening or closing ion channels.

A rapid, short-lasting change in membrane potential that travels along an axon.

The movement of ions across the cell membrane, creating an electrical signal that is transmitted along the axon.

The process of sending information from one part of the nervous system to another using electrical signals.

Voltage-gated channels are ion channels that open or close in response to changes in the membrane potential.

The process by which an action potential travels along the length of an axon.

Sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels in the axon membrane are voltage-gated, meaning they open and close based on changes in the membrane potential.

The amplitude of an action potential is always the same, regardless of the strength of the stimulus.

The membrane potential does not become more positive than 30 mV during an action potential because the sodium channels close and the potassium channels open.

The ability of a neuron to rapidly conduct action potentials across long distances.

Action potentials are triggered by a stimulus that depolarizes the membrane to the threshold potential.