NEUROMEDIATOR RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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A neuromediator receptor refers to a specialized protein molecule that is present on the surface of nerve cells or neurons and is involved in receiving and transmitting signals across the nervous system. It acts as a key player in the process of neurotransmission, which is the transfer of chemical signals or messages between neurons in the brain and other parts of the body.
When a neuron is stimulated, it releases specific chemical substances called neuromediators or neurotransmitters into the synapse, the tiny gap between two adjacent neurons. These neurotransmitters are responsible for transmitting the signals from one neuron to another. The neuromediator receptors are located on the surface of the postsynaptic neuron, which is the neuron that receives the signal.
These receptors have a specific shape that allows them to recognize and bind to a particular neurotransmitter, similar to how a lock can only be opened by a specific key. When the neurotransmitter binds to its corresponding receptor, it triggers a series of biochemical reactions within the receiving neuron, leading to the generation of an electrical signal or impulse, which continues the communication process.
There are various types of neuromediator receptors, such as the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), ionotropic receptors, and metabotropic receptors, each having their own unique mechanisms of action. The activation or modulation of these receptors plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, behavior, pain perception, memory, and many others.
Understanding the function and activity of neuromediator receptors is fundamental in elucidating the complex workings of the nervous system and offers potential targets for therapeutic interventions in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Common Misspellings for NEUROMEDIATOR RECEPTOR
- beuromediator receptor
- meuromediator receptor
- jeuromediator receptor
- heuromediator receptor
- nwuromediator receptor
- nsuromediator receptor
- nduromediator receptor
- nruromediator receptor
- n4uromediator receptor
- n3uromediator receptor
- neyromediator receptor
- nehromediator receptor
- nejromediator receptor
- neiromediator receptor
- ne8romediator receptor
- ne7romediator receptor
- neueomediator receptor
- neudomediator receptor
- neufomediator receptor
- neutomediator receptor
Etymology of NEUROMEDIATOR RECEPTOR
The word "Neuromediator Receptor" combines terms from neuroscience and cellular biology. Let's break down the etymology of each component:1. Neuromediator:
- "Neuro-" is derived from the Greek word "neuron" meaning "nerve" or "sinew".
- "Mediator" comes from the Latin word "mediator" meaning "one who mediates or intervenes".Together, "neuromediator" refers to a substance or molecule that acts as a mediator or transmitter within the nervous system.2. Receptor:
- "Re-" is a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
- "ceptor" comes from the Latin word "capere" meaning "to take" or "to receive"."Receptor" refers to a protein molecule in a cell that receives and binds to specific molecules, such as neurotransmitters or neuromediators, initiating a cellular response.
