ANGIOTENSIN Meaning and
Definition
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Angiotensin is a noun that refers to a hormone produced in the body, specifically in the liver, that plays a significant role in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid balance. It is part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a complex cascade of biochemical reactions that ultimately controls blood pressure.
When there is a decrease in blood pressure or a decrease in the volume of blood circulating in the body, the kidneys release an enzyme called renin into the bloodstream. Renin then acts on a protein called angiotensinogen, which is produced by the liver, converting it into angiotensin I.
Angiotensin I is relatively inactive, but it is quickly converted by an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) into angiotensin II, the biologically active form of the hormone. Angiotensin II acts in various ways to increase blood pressure and restore fluid balance. It constricts blood vessels, leading to increased peripheral resistance and higher blood pressure, and it stimulates the release of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal glands, which in turn promotes the reabsorption of sodium and water by the kidneys.
Angiotensin is also closely linked to the regulation of electrolytes, specifically sodium and potassium, and overall body fluid volume. By influencing vasoconstriction, aldosterone release, and sodium and water absorption, angiotensin contributes to the maintenance of blood pressure and fluid balance within a narrow range.
Common Misspellings for ANGIOTENSIN
- zngiotensin
- sngiotensin
- wngiotensin
- qngiotensin
- abgiotensin
- amgiotensin
- ajgiotensin
- ahgiotensin
- anfiotensin
- anviotensin
- anbiotensin
- anhiotensin
- anyiotensin
- antiotensin
- anguotensin
- angjotensin
- angkotensin
- angootensin
- ang9otensin
- angiotensim
- angiotension
- angiotesin
- angiotenin
- Angistensin
Etymology of ANGIOTENSIN
The word "angiotensin" is composed of two roots: "angio-" and "tensin".
The root "angio-" derives from the Greek word "angeion", meaning "vessel", particularly in reference to blood vessels.
The second part of the word, "tensin", is derived from "tension", which is ultimately derived from the Latin word "tendere", meaning "to stretch" or "to extend".
Therefore, when combined, "angiotensin" refers to a substance or hormone that affects the tension or constriction of blood vessels.
Similar spelling words for ANGIOTENSIN
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