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Review
. 2007 Aug 15;71(4):78.
doi: 10.5688/aj710478.

Physiology of the autonomic nervous system

Laurie Kelly McCorry  1
Affiliations
Review

Physiology of the autonomic nervous system

Laurie Kelly McCorry. Am J Pharm Educ. .

Abstract

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: adrenergic; autonomic nervous system; cholinergic; parasympathetic; physiology; sympathetic.

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