BIOS 252 Week 4 Case Study: ANS

BIOS 252 Week 4 Case Study: ANS

Student Name

Chamberlain University

BIOS-252: Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab

Prof. Name:

Date

Explanation of Upregulated Branch of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Based on the observed signs and symptoms, the branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that is highly upregulated is the parasympathetic nervous system. Three key symptoms that indicate this upregulation are sweating, bradycardia, and vomiting. These symptoms align with the parasympathetic nervous system’s function, which aims to maintain normal bodily activities by decreasing or stabilizing activity levels. Guy-Evans (2021) explains, “The parasympathetic system aims to maintain normal bodily functions by decreasing activity/maintaining it.” This explains the manifestation of the symptoms noted.

Muscarine Binding Receptors and Sweat Mechanism

Muscarine binds to muscarinic receptors within the autonomic nervous system, specifically in the parasympathetic branch. These receptors are activated by acetylcholine, as noted by Kudlak and Tadi (2021). The presence of sweating in three out of four patients is linked to the activation of M3 muscarinic receptors, which are located in the sweat glands. Acetylcholine binding to these receptors leads to increased secretions from the sweat glands, causing excessive sweating. This discovery helps clarify why the individuals exhibited this symptom after ingesting specific substances.

Treatment with Anticholinergics and Their Role

Atropine, an anticholinergic medication, is used as a treatment in this case. Anticholinergics work by inhibiting the actions of acetylcholine in the cholinergic system, thereby suppressing involuntary muscle movements and specific bodily functions. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2012) defines anticholinergics as medications that block acetylcholine’s neurotransmitter activity. Gal (2022) adds, “Anticholinergic drugs work by blocking the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, in the cholinergic system.” In this scenario, atropine is employed to counteract the effects of acetylcholine, alleviating the undesired symptoms.

Table: Key Details of the Parasympathetic Nervous System, Receptors, and Treatment

References

Gal, K. (2022). Anticholinergic drugs: What to know. Retrieved from Medical News Today

Guy-Evans, O. (2021). Peripheral Nervous System. Definition, Parts, and Function. Retrieved from Simply Psychology

Kudlak, M., & Tadi, P. (2021). Physiology, Muscarinic Receptor. Retrieved from NCBI Bookshelf

BIOS 252 Week 4 Case Study: ANS

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2012). LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Retrieved from NCBI Bookshelf