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Glossary of Terms
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
These drugs act by inhibiting the enzyme, acetylcholinesterase which breaks down
the neuro-transmitter acetylcholine in the brain. As a result, an increased
concentration of acetylcholine leads to increased communication between nerve
cells. This may temporarily alleviate or stabilise some symptoms of Alzheimer's
disease.
Aetiology
Is the study of the causes of a disease
Atrioventricular block
If the heart is working properly, the electrical signal will travel from the sinus node to
the top chambers of the heart (atria) and then on to the lower chambers
(ventricles). Atrioventricular block is when there is a problem with the AV node.
There is a delay or block in the electrical impulses travelling between the atria and
the ventricles.
Atrioventricular dysregulation
Imp airme nt of the top chambers of the heart (atria) and the lower chambers
(ventricles).
Bradycardia
There are many different types of abnormal heart rhythm. The overarching name for
a slow heart rhythm is bradycardia.
GABAergic and glycinergic inhibitory receptors
GABA and glycine are arguably the most important inhibitory neurotransmitters in the
brain and brainstem/spinal cord, respectively. These inhibitory amino acids are of
particular interest to the neuropsychopharmacologist, because many commonly
studied (and therapeutically useful) drugs work by selectively affecting these two
neurotransmitter systems.
Muscarinic receptors
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, or mAChRs, are acetylcholine receptors that
form G protein-receptor complexes in the cell membranes of certain neurons [1] and
other cells. They play several roles, including acting as the main end-receptor
stimulated by acetylcholine released from postganglionic fibers in the
parasympathetic nervous system.
Neurones
Neurones are nerve cells. They carry information as tiny electrical signals. There are
three different types of neurones, each with a slightly different function:
1. sensory neurones carry signals from receptors to the spinal cord and brain.
2. relay neurones carry messages from one part of the CNS to another.
3. motor neurones carry signals from the CNS to effectors.
Neurotransmission
also called synaptic transmission, is the process by which signaling molecules called
neurotransmitters are released by a neuron (the presynaptic neuron), and bind to
and activate the receptors of another neuron (the postsynaptic neuron).
Neurotransmitter
also known as chemical messengers, are endogenous chemicals that enable
neurotransmission
Parasympathetic activation
The parasympathetic nervous system (usually abbreviated PSNS, not PNS, to avoid
confusion with the peripheral nervous system [PNS]) is one of the two divisions of
the autonomic nervous system, the other being the sympathetic nervous system
PR prolongation
First-degree atrioventricular block (AV block), or PR prolongation, is a disease of the
electrical conduction system of the heart in which the PR interval is lengthened
beyond 0.20 seconds.
Sick sinus syndrome
The sinus node is a special group of cells in the heart, also known as the heart’s
natural pacemaker. The sinus node sends out regular electrical impulses that travel
through an ‘electrical pathway’ in the heart, causing the chambers of the heart to
contract and pump the blood through the heart and out to the lungs and the rest of
the body. When these cells are not working properly, this is known as sinus node
disease.
Sino-atrial block
sinoatrial block a type of heart block characterized by partial or complete interference
with the propagation of impulses from the sinoatrial node to the atria, resulting in
delay or absence of the atrial response.
Sinus bradycardia
The normal electrical pattern of the heart is known as sinus rhythm. A normal sinus
rhythm will generally cause the heart to beat between 60 to 100 beats per minute
(bpm) when they’re resting. If the sinus rhythm is slow, this is known as sinus
bradycardia.
Sinus node disease
(see Sick sinus syndrome)
Syncope
Cardio-inhibitory syncope is when someone collapses and temporarily loses
consciousness. It happens when there is a pause of a few seconds in the heart
rhythm.
Vagal nerve
The vagus nerve (/ˈveɪɡəs/ vay-gəs), historically cited as the pneumogastric nerve, is
the tenth cranial nerve or CN X, and interfaces with parasympathetic control of the
heart and digestive tract. The vagus nerves are paired; however, they are normally
referred to in the singular.
Vagal activity (or Vagal Tone)
1 the level of activity in the parasympathetic nervous system.
2 the inhibitory control of the vagus nerve over heart rate and atrioventricular
conduction.
Extrasystole
A heartbeat outside the normal rhythm, as often occurs in normal individuals
Tachycardia
An abnormally rapid heart rate.
Myocardial infarction
A heart attack.