Liver and Gastrointestinal Pharmacology
Abstract One of the main functions of the liver is to protect the organism against intoxication. The endoplasmic reticulum of liver cells contains enzymes that protect the organism against an…
Endocrine Physiology
Abstract This chapter reviews the normal physiology of the five major endocrine organs relevant to anesthesiology: the pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and pancreas. Disturbances in endocrine…
Local Anesthetics
Abstract Local anesthetics are a group of structurally related compounds which share as principal mechanism of action the blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels, resulting in reversible interruption of nerve signal…
Pulmonary Physiology
Abstract This chapter describes the control systems and mechanisms of air movement into and out of the lungs to allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to exchange with blood. Emphasis is…
Nonopioid Analgesics
Abstract The role of nonopioid analgesics have become increasingly important given mounting evidence against the use of opioids in chronic, non-malignant pain. Furthermore, recent Centers for Disease Control guidelines for…
Neuromuscular Blockers and Reversal Drugs
Abstract Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents were introduced into clinical practice more than 60 years ago. Throughout the world, millions of patients receive neuromuscular blocking agents as part of their general…
Cardiovascular Physiology: Cellular and Molecular Regulation
Abstract In a normal human life span, the heart beats billions of times. Each beat represents a remarkable combination of events working in harmony over milliseconds to propel blood into…
Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Abstract Disturbances in cardiac rhythm, also termed cardiac arrhythmias, can arise from structural heart disease, adverse drug interactions, or inherited gene variants in ion channels or the proteins that regulate…
Neuromuscular Physiology and Pharmacology
Abstract Neuromuscular transmission in skeletal muscle occurs when acetylcholine released from the nerve ending binds to the endplate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postjunctional muscle membrane. These AChRs respond…
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Abstract Resuscitation maneuvers improve oxygen delivery, optimize tissue uptake of oxygen, and preserve the metabolic rate of oxygen. This chapter reviews the cardinal tenets of oxygenation, the evidence-based practices of…
