alpha-adrenergic receptor
noun Physiology.
Words nearby alpha-adrenergic receptor
alpha stock,
alpha test,
alpha wave,
alpha-adrenergic,
alpha-adrenergic blocking agent,
alpha-adrenergic receptor,
alpha-amino acid,
alpha-aminosuccinic acid,
alpha-beta brass,
alpha-blocker,
alpha-fetoprotein
Definition for alpha-adrenergic receptor (2 of 2)
alpha receptor
or al·pha-re·cep·tor
noun
a site on a cell that, upon interaction with epinephrine or norepinephrine, controls vasoconstriction, intestinal relaxation, pupil dilation, and other physiological processes.
Also called
alpha-adrenergic receptor.
Compare
beta receptor.
Origin of alpha receptor
First recorded in 1960–65
Medical definitions for alpha-adrenergic receptor
alpha-adrenergic receptor
n.
Any of various cell membrane receptors that can bind with norepinephrine and related substances that activate or block the actions of the cells containing such receptors; these cells initiate physiological responses such as vasoconstriction, pupil dilation, and contraction of pilomotor muscles.
alpha-receptor