SYMPATHOMIMETICS Meaning and
Definition
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Sympathomimetics refers to a class of drugs or substances that mimic or stimulate the functions of the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response.
Sympathomimetics exert their effects by binding to and activating adrenergic receptors, which are present in various tissues throughout the body. By doing so, they enhance the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. These drugs can also cause dilation of the bronchioles, constriction of blood vessels, and increased metabolic rate.
There are different types of sympathomimetics, including both naturally occurring substances and synthetic drugs. Examples of naturally occurring sympathomimetics include adrenaline (or epinephrine), which is secreted by the adrenal glands during times of stress, and noradrenaline (or norepinephrine), which acts as a neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system. Synthetic sympathomimetics are commonly used in medicine and may include drugs such as albuterol, used to treat asthma, or pseudoephedrine, found in some cold and flu medications.
Sympathomimetics are used therapeutically in various medical conditions, including asthma, allergies, hypotension (low blood pressure), and certain cardiac problems. However, they can also have adverse effects on the body, such as increased heart rate, anxiety, tremors, and high blood pressure. Therefore, their use should be carefully monitored and controlled by healthcare professionals to minimize potential risks.
Common Misspellings for SYMPATHOMIMETICS
- aympathomimetics
- zympathomimetics
- xympathomimetics
- dympathomimetics
- eympathomimetics
- wympathomimetics
- stmpathomimetics
- sgmpathomimetics
- shmpathomimetics
- sumpathomimetics
- s7mpathomimetics
- s6mpathomimetics
- synpathomimetics
- sykpathomimetics
- syjpathomimetics
- symoathomimetics
- symlathomimetics
- sym-athomimetics
- sym0athomimetics
- sympzthomimetics
Etymology of SYMPATHOMIMETICS
The word "Sympathomimetics" is derived from two components: "sympatho-" and "-mimetics".
1. "Sympatho-" derives from the word "sympathetic", which comes from the Greek word "sympatheia" meaning "feeling, affinity, sympathy". It refers to the branch of the autonomic nervous system that activates the body's "fight or flight" response.
2. "-Mimetics" is derived from the Greek word "mimetikos", meaning "imitating" or "mimicking". It is commonly used as a suffix to indicate a substance that imitates or mimics the effects of something.
Therefore, "Sympathomimetics" refers to substances or drugs that imitate the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, particularly those that stimulate responses such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and dilation of bronchial passages.
