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Pharmacology Research Paper

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Pharmacology is the science of drugs (book). Working in any medical field, it is important to understand the medications used when treating patients. Knowing how the human body works and how drugs affect the certain systems of the body can be the difference in a life or death situation. One of the most important evolutionary reactions within the human body takes place in the sympathetic nervous system. This system activates what is often referred to as the “fight-or-flight” response that is an evolutionary response to what appears to be a life-threatening situation, enabling people and other animals to fight the apparent threat or to flee away to safety (9). Understanding how the sympathetic nervous system works allows medical professionals …show more content…

The sympathetic nervous system operates through interconnected neurons within the central and peripheral nervous systems. The neurons from the central nervous system within the spinal cord transmit messages to the peripheral nervous system through sympathetic ganglia. Through this chemical synapsis of the sympathetic ganglia, acetylcholine is released and activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on peripheral sympathetic neurons that then release noradrenaline. With prolonged activation of this stimulus, adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla where adrenergic receptors are bound by adrenaline and noradrenaline on peripheral tissue that, as a result, causes our “fight-or-flight” response. During this response, a patient may exhibit symptoms such as pupil dilation, a diaphoretic appearance, an increased heart rate as well as constricted blood vessels causing high blood pressure …show more content…

More than likely, a trauma patient will be experiencing shock along with the chemical reactions related to the “fight or flight” response. You may need to either administer a stimulant that mimics the effects of an activated sympathetic nervous system, or you may need to do the opposite and block the abilities of the agitations that come with the rush of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Whatever the case may be, its best to understand the working of the medications available to you and how to use them in specific situations. 1. Cafasso, Jacquelyn. "Adrenergic Drugs." Healthline. Healthline Media, 5 June 2015. Web. 07 Aug. 2016. 2. Cherry, Kendra. "How Does Acetylcholine Function in the Body?" Verywell. About, Inc., 21 June 2016. Web. 07 Aug. 2016. 3. Klabunde, Richard E. "Alpha-Adrenoceptor Agonists (α-agonists)." CV Pharmacology. Jimp Studio, 25 June 13. Web. 07 Aug. 2016. 4. Klabunde, Richard E. "Centrally Acting Sympatholytics." CV Pharmacology. Jimp Studio, 15 Mar. 2007. Web. 07 Aug. 2016. 5. Stax, Open. "OpenStax CNX." OpenStax CNX. Rice University, n.d. Web. 07 Aug.

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