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KembaraXtra-Psychology - atropine
Atropine is a poisonous alkaloid from deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) that acts as a muscarinic antagonist, blocking acetylcholine effects in the parasympathetic nervous system and thereby paralysing smooth muscles. It is used medically as a pre-anaesthetic drug and as an antidote to chemical nerve agents, and historically it was used by poisoners; because it dilates pupils, it has also been used cosmetically and is still used for eye examinations. It relates to compounds such as belladonna, hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and others, and is compared with agents like curare, scopolamine, and strychnine; its name references Atropos, the Fate associated with cutting the thread of life.
Atropine is a poisonous alkaloid from deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) that acts as a muscarinic antagonist, blocking acetylcholine effects in the parasympathetic nervous system and thereby paralysing smooth muscles. It is used medically as a pre-anaesthetic drug and as an antidote to chemical nerve agents, and historically it was used by poisoners; because it dilates pupils, it has also been used cosmetically and is still used for eye examinations. It relates to compounds such as belladonna, hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and others, and is compared with agents like curare, scopolamine, and strychnine; its name references Atropos, the Fate associated with cutting the thread of life.
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