NITRERGIC NEURON Meaning and
Definition
-
A nitrergic neuron refers to a specialized type of neuron that utilizes nitric oxide (NO) as a neurotransmitter in its communication with other neurons within the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). These neurons are characterized by their ability to produce and release NO, a gas molecule that acts as a signaling molecule in various physiological processes.
Nitrergic neurons are primarily found in areas of the CNS and PNS involved in the regulation of smooth muscle tone, cardiovascular function, gastrointestinal motility, and pain perception. They are particularly abundant in the enteric nervous system, which controls the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.
The main function of nitrergic neurons is to modulate the activity of surrounding neurons and influence the contractility of smooth muscles by releasing NO. Once released, NO diffuses into neighboring cells and initiates a series of intracellular signaling events that lead to relaxation of smooth muscle cells.
Understanding the role of nitrergic neurons is crucial in elucidating the mechanisms underlying various physiological processes, as well as in the development of therapeutic interventions for conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neuropathic pain. Many drugs targeting nitrergic signaling have been developed to promote smooth muscle relaxation and alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.
In summary, nitrergic neurons are a specialized subset of neurons that use nitric oxide as a neurotransmitter to modulate the activity of neighboring cells and regulate smooth muscle function in various physiological systems.
Common Misspellings for NITRERGIC NEURON
- bitrergic neuron
- mitrergic neuron
- jitrergic neuron
- hitrergic neuron
- nutrergic neuron
- njtrergic neuron
- nktrergic neuron
- notrergic neuron
- n9trergic neuron
- n8trergic neuron
- nirrergic neuron
- nifrergic neuron
- nigrergic neuron
- niyrergic neuron
- ni6rergic neuron
- ni5rergic neuron
- niteergic neuron
- nitdergic neuron
- nitfergic neuron
- nittergic neuron
Etymology of NITRERGIC NEURON
The word "nitrergic" is derived from "nitric oxide" and "ergic". "Nitric oxide" refers to a molecule composed of one atom of nitrogen (N) and one atom of oxygen (O). It is a signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes in the body. The suffix "-ergic" is used to describe something related to or influenced by a particular substance or activity.
Therefore, a "nitrergic neuron" refers to a type of neuron that produces or interacts with nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is known to play a role in neurotransmission, particularly in the regulation of blood vessels, immune responses, and neuronal communication.
