Receptor (Noun)
Meaning 1
A cellular structure that is postulated to exist in order to mediate between a chemical agent that acts on nervous tissue and the physiological response.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The drug binds to a specific receptor on the surface of the cell, triggering a series of downstream effects.
- Receptors in the nose detect the molecules of odorant substances, sending signals to the brain.
- The acetylcholine receptor is a crucial component of the neuromuscular junction, enabling muscle contraction.
- Insulin receptors on the surface of fat cells help to regulate glucose uptake and storage.
- GABA receptors in the brain are targets for various sedative and anxiolytic drugs.
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
An organ having nerve endings (in the skin or viscera or eye or ear or nose or mouth) that respond to stimulation.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The retina contains light-sensitive receptor cells that convert light into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain.
- The pain receptor in the skin sent a signal to the brain, causing the person to flinch in response to the burn.
- The olfactory receptor in the nose detected the scent of freshly baked cookies and triggered a response of hunger.
- The mechanoreceptor in the ear detected the vibrations of the sound wave and allowed the person to hear the music.
- The baroreceptor in the walls of the blood vessels detected the increase in blood pressure and triggered a response to slow the heart rate.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
- Baroreceptor
- Ear
- Inner Ear
- Exteroceptor
- Chemoreceptor
- Oculus
- Thermoreceptor
- Third Eye
- Eye
- Organ Of Hearing
- Lateral Line Organ
- Internal Ear
- Interoceptor
- Pineal Eye
- Lateral Line
- Enteroceptor
- Semicircular Canal
- Stretch Receptor