acoustic reflex

contraction of the middle ear muscles (the tensor tympani and stapedius muscle) elicited by intense sounds. This reflex restricts movement of the ossicles, thus reducing the sound energy transmitted to the inner ear and partially protecting it from damage.

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Psychology term of the day

December 26th 2024

anticholinergic effects

side effects that are characteristic of anticholinergic drugs and are also associated with other agents (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors) that exert antagonist effects at muscarinic receptors. They include dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary hesitancy or retention, and constipation. Similar antagonistic effects may occur at nicotinic receptors as well. Depending on the specific receptors involved, these effects may also be called antimuscarinic effects or antinicotinic effects.