University of West Georgia Module 12 The Autonomic Nervous System Questions

Accompanies Module 12, Chapter 14: The Autonomic Nervous System

According to the Centers for Disease Control, hypertension (chronically elevated blood pressure) affects approximately 31% of Americans. Contributors to this phenomenon are stress, smoking, alcohol, diabetes, and obesity.

Many drugs can be taken to treat hypertension, but two classes, alpha-blockers and beta-blockers interact with the ANS.

Outside sources will be required for this topic, so make sure they are RELIABLE, that you include BOTH a citation and a full reference (not just a web URL) for each source that you use, and that you do not plagiarize – put the information in your own words. Please post to your group.

1) Explain what is meant by alpha blocker. What does this name come from and how does this drug interact with the ANS to decrease blood pressure? Be specific here and address the receptors it interacts with and where they are located.

2) Explain what is meant by beta blocker. What does this name come from and how does this drug interact with the ANS to decrease blood pressure? Be specific (as above).

3) Are there any side effects of these drugs that a user should be aware of?

4) Make a MEANINGFUL reply to one of your group members that is at least a paragraph about what you have found in your research.