key term - Adrenergic

Definition

Adrenergic relates to the part of the autonomic nervous system that uses adrenaline (epinephrine) or noradrenaline (norepinephrine) as neurotransmitters. It primarily involves the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response during stressful situations.

Related terms

Autonomic Nervous System:

A part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary body functions such as heartbeat and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System:

One of two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system, it activates what is often termed the fight or flight response.

Neurotransmitter:

A chemical substance released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and, by diffusing across the synapse or junction, causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure