ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS Meaning and
Definition
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Adrenergic receptors, also known as adrenoceptors, are a class of cell membrane receptors that are involved in the actions of the hormone adrenaline (epinephrine) and other related molecules known as adrenergic agonists. These receptors are widely distributed throughout the body, particularly in the nervous system, and play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes.
There are two main types of adrenergic receptors: alpha-adrenergic receptors and beta-adrenergic receptors. Alpha receptors are further divided into alpha-1 and alpha-2 subtypes, while beta receptors are divided into beta-1, beta-2, and beta-3 subtypes. Each subtype responds differently to various adrenergic agonists and can elicit specific responses in target tissues.
When activated by adrenaline or other adrenergic agonists, these receptors initiate a cascade of intracellular signaling events that result in a wide range of physiological effects. These effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, bronchodilation, increased blood flow to skeletal muscles, and vasoconstriction of blood vessels. Adrenergic receptors are also involved in the regulation of metabolic processes, such as glycogenolysis and lipolysis.
The activity of adrenergic receptors can be modulated by various factors, including the concentration of adrenergic agonists, the activity of enzymes that metabolize these agonists, and the presence of other substances that can bind to and influence receptor function. Due to their essential role in regulating physiological responses to stress and other stimuli, adrenergic receptors are important targets for the development of drugs used in the treatment of various medical conditions, such as hypertension, asthma, and heart failure.
Common Misspellings for ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS
- zdrenergic receptors
- sdrenergic receptors
- wdrenergic receptors
- qdrenergic receptors
- asrenergic receptors
- axrenergic receptors
- acrenergic receptors
- afrenergic receptors
- arrenergic receptors
- aerenergic receptors
- adeenergic receptors
- addenergic receptors
- adfenergic receptors
- adtenergic receptors
- ad5energic receptors
- ad4energic receptors
- adrwnergic receptors
- adrsnergic receptors
- adrdnergic receptors
- adrrnergic receptors
Etymology of ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS
The term "adrenergic" derives from the word "adrenaline" or "epinephrine", which are both hormones produced by the adrenal glands. "Adreno-" is derived from the Latin word "adrenal", referring to the adrenal glands. "Ergic", on the other hand, is a suffix used to denote "relating to work" or "effect". Therefore, "adrenergic" signifies something that acts like or is related to adrenaline or epinephrine.
The term "receptors" originates from the Latin word "recipere", which means "to receive". In biology and medicine, receptors are molecules or structures present on the surface of cells or within cells, capable of binding to specific molecules, such as hormones or neurotransmitters. In the case of adrenergic receptors, they receive or bind to adrenaline or related substances, transmitting specific signals within the body when activated.
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