USMLE STEP 1 Pharmacology3 WGU
Academic Success Hub: OA Preparation, PA
Writing Strategies, Competency-Based
Learning Support & Advanced Study
Framework
Description
The WGU Academic Success Hub is a
comprehensive and strategically designed
study resource created specifically for
students at Western Governors University
(WGU) who want to improve academic
performance, strengthen competency
mastery, and approach assessments with
greater confidence and efficiency. Built
around WGU’s unique competency-based
education model, this guide focuses on
helping students understand exactly how to
prepare for both Objective Assessments (OA)
,and Performance Assessments (PA) while
developing stronger study habits, analytical
thinking skills, and long-term academic
strategies.
Unlike traditional study guides that focus
only on memorization or generic review
content, this resource is designed to help
students actively engage with material, apply
concepts in assessment-based scenarios, and
develop a more organized and effective
approach to learning. It combines practice-
based revision, competency-focused learning
techniques, structured study methods, and
detailed guidance to create a complete
academic support system that can be applied
across multiple WGU courses and programs.
This guide is especially valuable for students
navigating WGU’s self-paced learning
environment, where success depends heavily
,on organization, consistency, critical
thinking, and the ability to demonstrate
understanding effectively.
What are the major functions of the α1 receptor?
Increase vascular smooth muscle contraction, increase pupillary dilator muscle contraction
(mydriasis), increase intestinal and bladder sphincter muscle contraction
What are the major functions of the α2 receptor?
Decrease sympathetic outflow, decrease insulin release, decrease lipolysis, increase platelet
aggregation, decrease aqueous humor production
What are the major functions of the β1 receptor?
Increase heart rate, increase contractility, increase renin release, increase lipolysis
What are the major functions of the β2 receptor?
Vasodilation, bronchodilation, increase lipolysis, increase insulin release, decrease uterine tone
(tocolysis), ciliary muscle relaxation, increase aqueous humor production
What are the major functions of the M1 receptor?
CNS, enteric nervous system
What are the major functions of the M2 receptor?
Decrease heart rate and contractility of atria
What are the major functions of the M3 receptor?
Increase exocrine gland secretions (e.g., lacrimal, salivary, gastric acid), increase gut peristalsis,
increase bladder contraction, increase bronchoconstriction, pupillary sphincter muscle
contraction (miosis), ciliary muscle contraction (accommodation)
What are the major functions of the D1 receptor?
Relaxes renal vascular smooth muscle
What are the major functions of the D2 receptor?
, Modulates transmitter release, especially in the brain
What are the major functions of the H1 receptor?
Increase nasal and bronchial mucus production, increase vascular permeability, contraction of
bronchioles, pruritis, pain
What are the major functions of the H2 receptor?
Increase gastric acid secretion
What are the major functions of the V1 receptor?
Increase vascular smooth muscle contraction
What are the major functions of the V2 receptor?
Increase H2O permeability and reabsorption in collecting tubules of kidney (V2 is found in the
"2" kidneys)
What receptors are associate with Gq?
H1, α1, V1, M1, and M3
What receptors are associated with Gs?
H2, B1, B2, V2, D1
What receptors are associated with Gi?
M2, α2, D2
Bethanechol
-Direct cholinergic agonist
-Activates bowel and bladder smooth muscle
-Used in postoperative and neurogenic ileus
-Resistant to AChE
Carbachol
-Direct cholinergic agonist
-Carbon copy of acetylcholine
-Constricts pupils and relieves intraocular pressure in glaucoma
Methacholine
Academic Success Hub: OA Preparation, PA
Writing Strategies, Competency-Based
Learning Support & Advanced Study
Framework
Description
The WGU Academic Success Hub is a
comprehensive and strategically designed
study resource created specifically for
students at Western Governors University
(WGU) who want to improve academic
performance, strengthen competency
mastery, and approach assessments with
greater confidence and efficiency. Built
around WGU’s unique competency-based
education model, this guide focuses on
helping students understand exactly how to
prepare for both Objective Assessments (OA)
,and Performance Assessments (PA) while
developing stronger study habits, analytical
thinking skills, and long-term academic
strategies.
Unlike traditional study guides that focus
only on memorization or generic review
content, this resource is designed to help
students actively engage with material, apply
concepts in assessment-based scenarios, and
develop a more organized and effective
approach to learning. It combines practice-
based revision, competency-focused learning
techniques, structured study methods, and
detailed guidance to create a complete
academic support system that can be applied
across multiple WGU courses and programs.
This guide is especially valuable for students
navigating WGU’s self-paced learning
environment, where success depends heavily
,on organization, consistency, critical
thinking, and the ability to demonstrate
understanding effectively.
What are the major functions of the α1 receptor?
Increase vascular smooth muscle contraction, increase pupillary dilator muscle contraction
(mydriasis), increase intestinal and bladder sphincter muscle contraction
What are the major functions of the α2 receptor?
Decrease sympathetic outflow, decrease insulin release, decrease lipolysis, increase platelet
aggregation, decrease aqueous humor production
What are the major functions of the β1 receptor?
Increase heart rate, increase contractility, increase renin release, increase lipolysis
What are the major functions of the β2 receptor?
Vasodilation, bronchodilation, increase lipolysis, increase insulin release, decrease uterine tone
(tocolysis), ciliary muscle relaxation, increase aqueous humor production
What are the major functions of the M1 receptor?
CNS, enteric nervous system
What are the major functions of the M2 receptor?
Decrease heart rate and contractility of atria
What are the major functions of the M3 receptor?
Increase exocrine gland secretions (e.g., lacrimal, salivary, gastric acid), increase gut peristalsis,
increase bladder contraction, increase bronchoconstriction, pupillary sphincter muscle
contraction (miosis), ciliary muscle contraction (accommodation)
What are the major functions of the D1 receptor?
Relaxes renal vascular smooth muscle
What are the major functions of the D2 receptor?
, Modulates transmitter release, especially in the brain
What are the major functions of the H1 receptor?
Increase nasal and bronchial mucus production, increase vascular permeability, contraction of
bronchioles, pruritis, pain
What are the major functions of the H2 receptor?
Increase gastric acid secretion
What are the major functions of the V1 receptor?
Increase vascular smooth muscle contraction
What are the major functions of the V2 receptor?
Increase H2O permeability and reabsorption in collecting tubules of kidney (V2 is found in the
"2" kidneys)
What receptors are associate with Gq?
H1, α1, V1, M1, and M3
What receptors are associated with Gs?
H2, B1, B2, V2, D1
What receptors are associated with Gi?
M2, α2, D2
Bethanechol
-Direct cholinergic agonist
-Activates bowel and bladder smooth muscle
-Used in postoperative and neurogenic ileus
-Resistant to AChE
Carbachol
-Direct cholinergic agonist
-Carbon copy of acetylcholine
-Constricts pupils and relieves intraocular pressure in glaucoma
Methacholine
