What is the primary action of sympatholytics?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the primary action of sympatholytics, which are a type of medication that affects the sympathetic nervous system. The options provided suggest various actions related to adrenergic transmission and sympathetic nerve stimulation, and we need to identify which option correctly describes what sympatholytics do.
Answer
Inhibit sympathetic nervous system activity to lower blood pressure.
The primary action of sympatholytics is to inhibit the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which reduces blood pressure by decreasing sympathetic nerve activity.
Answer for screen readers
The primary action of sympatholytics is to inhibit the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which reduces blood pressure by decreasing sympathetic nerve activity.
More Information
Sympatholytics work by opposing the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which uses neurotransmitters like norepinephrine. This can lead to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, making these drugs useful in treating conditions like hypertension.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing sympatholytics with sympathomimetics, which have the opposite effect by stimulating sympathetic nervous system activity.
Sources
- Sympatholytic - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Sympatholytic drugs - Knowledge @ AMBOSS - amboss.com
- Sympatholytics - Deranged Physiology - derangedphysiology.com
