alpha-receptor

noun

al·​pha-re·​cep·​tor ˈal-fə-ri-ˌsep-tər 

: any of a group of receptors that are present on cell surfaces of some effector organs and tissues innervated by the sympathetic nervous system and that mediate certain physiological responses (such as vasoconstriction, relaxation of intestinal muscle, and contraction of most smooth muscle) when bound by specific adrenergic agents compare beta-receptor

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

alpha-receptor

noun

al·​pha-re·​cep·​tor ˈal-fə-ri-ˌsep-tər 

: any of a group of receptors that are present on cell surfaces of some effector organs and tissues innervated by the sympathetic nervous system and that mediate certain physiological responses (as vasoconstriction, relaxation of intestinal muscle, and contraction of most smooth muscle) when bound by specific adrenergic agents compare beta-receptor