ANGIOTENSIN II Meaning and
Definition
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Angiotensin II is a hormone and a potent vasoconstrictor that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. It is produced through the complex renin-angiotensin system, which starts in the kidneys.
When blood pressure drops or there is a decrease in sodium levels in the body, the enzyme renin is released by special cells in the kidneys. Renin acts on a protein called angiotensinogen, which is produced by the liver and released into the bloodstream. Renin cleaves angiotensinogen to produce angiotensin I.
Angiotensin I, an inactive and relatively weaker peptide, is then converted into angiotensin II through the action of an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). ACE is primarily found in the lungs and blood vessels.
Angiotensin II exerts its effects on the body through binding to specific receptors located in various tissues, such as blood vessels, adrenal glands, and the brain. When it binds to these receptors, it causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. This vasoconstriction also stimulates the release of another hormone called aldosterone, which promotes sodium and water reabsorption by the kidneys, increasing fluid retention and thereby further contributing to elevated blood pressure.
Additionally, angiotensin II stimulates the secretion of another hormone called antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which reduces water loss through the kidneys and also helps raise blood pressure.
Overall, angiotensin II is a critical regulator of blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte homeostasis by controlling vasoconstriction and influencing hormone release in various organs.
Common Misspellings for ANGIOTENSIN II
- zngiotensin ii
- sngiotensin ii
- wngiotensin ii
- qngiotensin ii
- abgiotensin ii
- amgiotensin ii
- ajgiotensin ii
- ahgiotensin ii
- anfiotensin ii
- anviotensin ii
- anbiotensin ii
- anhiotensin ii
- anyiotensin ii
- antiotensin ii
- anguotensin ii
- angjotensin ii
- angkotensin ii
- angootensin ii
- ang9otensin ii
Etymology of ANGIOTENSIN II
The word "angiotensin II" is derived from two main components: "angio-" and "-tensin".
1. "Angio-" is derived from the Greek word "angeíon" (ἀγγεῖον), meaning "vessel" or "blood vessel". It refers to the blood vessels and is often used as a combining form in medical terminology related to this context.
2. "-Tensin" is derived from the Latin word "tensus", which means "drawn tight" or "stretched". It is typically associated with tension, pressure, or constriction.
When combined, "angiotensin" refers to the hormone that constricts blood vessels, and "II" indicates that it is the second hormone in a series of angiotensin hormones. The name is indicative of its role in regulating blood pressure and its association with vascular constriction.
Similar spelling words for ANGIOTENSIN II
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