HEXAMETHONIUM DIHYDROXIDE Meaning and
Definition
-
Hexamethonium dihydroxide is a chemical compound that belongs to the family of quaternary ammonium compounds. It is an organic substance characterized by a six-carbon chain and a central nitrogen atom that holds two hydroxide groups. This compound is commonly used as a ganglionic blocking agent.
The primary function of hexamethonium dihydroxide is to inhibit the transmission of nerve impulses within the autonomic ganglia, which are clusters of nerve cell bodies. It achieves this by acting as an antagonist to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors present on the postganglionic neurons. By blocking these receptors, hexamethonium dihydroxide prevents the binding of acetylcholine, inhibiting the activation of these neurons and subsequently blocking the transmission of nerve impulses.
The action of hexamethonium dihydroxide on the autonomic ganglia results in various physiological effects. It leads to a reduction in heart rate, as it inhibits the sympathetic stimulation of the heart. It also induces vasodilation, causing a decrease in blood pressure. Additionally, hexamethonium dihydroxide can impact other involuntary processes regulated by the autonomic nervous system, such as gastrointestinal motility and urinary bladder function.
Despite its pharmacological applications, hexamethonium dihydroxide is currently not commonly used in medical practice. However, its effects on autonomic ganglia make it a significant compound in research and experimental studies related to the autonomic nervous system and its regulatory mechanisms.
Common Misspellings for HEXAMETHONIUM DIHYDROXIDE
- gexamethonium dihydroxide
- bexamethonium dihydroxide
- nexamethonium dihydroxide
- jexamethonium dihydroxide
- uexamethonium dihydroxide
- yexamethonium dihydroxide
- hwxamethonium dihydroxide
- hsxamethonium dihydroxide
- hdxamethonium dihydroxide
- hrxamethonium dihydroxide
- h4xamethonium dihydroxide
- h3xamethonium dihydroxide
- hezamethonium dihydroxide
- hecamethonium dihydroxide
- hedamethonium dihydroxide
- hesamethonium dihydroxide
- hexzmethonium dihydroxide
- hexsmethonium dihydroxide
- hexwmethonium dihydroxide
- hexqmethonium dihydroxide
Etymology of HEXAMETHONIUM DIHYDROXIDE
The word "Hexamethonium Dihydroxide" is composed of two main parts: "Hexamethonium" and "Dihydroxide".
1. Hexamethonium:
The term "Hexamethonium" comes from combining the prefix "hexa-", which means "six", with "methonium". The word "methonium" is derived from "methyl" (a chemical group containing a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms) and the suffix "-onium", which is commonly used to denote a positively charged ion. Therefore, "Hexamethonium" refers to a compound containing six methyl groups that are positively charged.
2. Dihydroxide:
"Dihydroxide" consists of the prefix "di-", meaning "two", and "hydroxide", which refers to the polyatomic ion (OH-) with a negative charge.
