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alpha-adrenergic receptor

noun Physiology.

alpha receptor.

alpha receptor

or al·pha-re·cep·tor

noun

a site on a cell that, upon interaction with epinephrine or norepinephrine, controls vasoconstriction, intestinal relaxation, pupil dilation, and other physiological processes.
Compare beta receptor.

Origin of alpha receptor

First recorded in 1960–65
Also called alpha-adrenergic receptor.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
alpha-adrenergic receptor in Medicine

alpha-adrenergic receptor

n.

Any of various cell membrane receptors that can bind with norepinephrine and related substances that activate or block the actions of the cells containing such receptors; these cells initiate physiological responses such as vasoconstriction, pupil dilation, and contraction of pilomotor muscles.alpha-receptor
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.