ALPHA RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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Alpha receptors are a subtype of adrenergic receptors that are found in various tissues and organs of the body. They are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response to stress or danger.
There are two main types of alpha receptors: alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors. Alpha-1 receptors are primarily located in smooth muscles in blood vessels, causing constriction when activated. This results in increased blood pressure and decreased blood flow to certain areas. They are also found in the eyes, where their activation leads to pupillary dilation.
On the other hand, alpha-2 receptors are mainly found in nerve terminals, where they act as auto-receptors to regulate the release of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter involved in stress response) from these terminals. Activation of alpha-2 receptors inhibits the release of norepinephrine, leading to decreased sympathetic outflow.
Alpha receptors are targets for various medications used to treat different conditions. For example, alpha-1 receptor blockers are used to lower blood pressure by blocking the constriction caused by these receptors. Alpha-2 agonists, on the other hand, can have sedative effects and are used as antihypertensives or in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Understanding alpha receptors and their function is crucial in the development of new therapeutics and the management of several medical conditions.
Common Misspellings for ALPHA RECEPTOR
- zlpha receptor
- slpha receptor
- wlpha receptor
- qlpha receptor
- akpha receptor
- appha receptor
- aopha receptor
- aloha receptor
- allha receptor
- al-ha receptor
- al0ha receptor
- alpga receptor
- alpba receptor
- alpna receptor
- alpja receptor
- alpua receptor
- alpya receptor
- alphz receptor
- alphs receptor
- alphareceptor
Etymology of ALPHA RECEPTOR
The word "alpha receptor" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
The term "alpha" comes from the Greek letter "α" (alpha), which is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. In scientific and medical terminology, "alpha" is often used to denote the first or primary component of a system.
The word "receptor" comes from the Latin word "recipere", meaning "to receive". In biology and pharmacology, a receptor refers to a specialized protein molecule or group of molecules that receives and binds specific substances, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, facilitating a biological response.
When combined, "alpha receptor" refers to the specific types of receptors that are sensitive to, or bind with, certain substances such as adrenaline or noradrenaline. These alpha receptors are classified into subtypes, such as alpha-1 receptors and alpha-2 receptors, based on their specific characteristics and functions in the body.
Similar spelling words for ALPHA RECEPTOR
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