CHEMOCEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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A chemoceptor is a sensory receptor specialized to detect chemical stimuli in the external or internal environment of an organism. It is primarily responsible for receiving and transducing chemical signals into electrical signals, which can then be interpreted by the central nervous system for further processing.
Chemoceptors are found in various parts of the body, such as the nose, mouth, tongue, and internal organs. In the nasal cavity, chemoceptors known as olfactory receptors help us detect and differentiate odors by binding to specific molecules present in the air. Similarly, taste buds on the tongue contain chemoceptors that are responsive to different chemicals, allowing us to perceive different tastes, including sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami.
Internal chemoceptors are essential in maintaining homeostasis within the body. They monitor the chemical composition of bodily fluids, such as blood, and provide feedback to regulate various physiological processes. For example, chemoreceptors in the carotid and aortic bodies sense changes in the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the blood, which help regulate breathing and maintain proper respiratory function. Other internal chemoceptors play a role in monitoring blood glucose levels or detecting changes in hormone levels.
By detecting and responding to chemical stimuli, chemoceptors enable organisms to communicate and interact with their environment effectively, facilitating vital sensory functions and ensuring physiological stability.
Common Misspellings for CHEMOCEPTOR
- xhemoceptor
- vhemoceptor
- fhemoceptor
- dhemoceptor
- cgemoceptor
- cbemoceptor
- cnemoceptor
- cjemoceptor
- cuemoceptor
- cyemoceptor
- chwmoceptor
- chsmoceptor
- chdmoceptor
- chrmoceptor
- ch4moceptor
- ch3moceptor
- chenoceptor
- chekoceptor
- chejoceptor
- chemiceptor
Etymology of CHEMOCEPTOR
The word "chemoceptor" is derived from two roots: "chemo-" and "-ceptor".
1. "Chemo-" is derived from the Greek word "khemia" meaning "the art of metalworking" or "the medical or magical preparation of drugs". Over time, it has come to represent the concept of chemicals or chemistry.
2. "-Ceptor" comes from the Latin word "capere" meaning "to take" or "to seize". In English, "-ceptor" is added to the end of a word to signify a "receptor" or an organ or cell that captures or receives specific molecules or signals.
Combining these roots, "chemoceptor" refers to a receptor or sensory cell that is responsible for detecting and responding to chemical stimuli in organisms.
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