Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

Inhaled anticholinergic medications typically work by targeting which system in the body?

Cardiovascular system

Respiratory system

Nervous system

Inhaled anticholinergic medications primarily target the nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic branch. These medications work by blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors in the airways. This action leads to the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles, resulting in bronchodilation and improved airflow in patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

While the respiratory system benefits directly from this action, the mechanism by which these medications exert their effects is rooted in their interaction with the nervous system. The drugs inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system's signals that cause bronchoconstriction, thus highlighting their role in modulating nervous system responses rather than acting solely on the respiratory system itself.

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Digestive system

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