chemoreceptor

chemoreceptor
Any cell that is activated by a change in its chemical milieu and results in a nerve impulse. Such cells can be either 1) “transducer” cells innervated by sensory nerve fibers ( e.g., the gustatory receptor cells of the taste buds; cells in the carotid body sensitive to changes in the oxygen and carbon dioxide content of the blood); or 2) nerve cells proper, such as the olfactory receptor cells of the olfactory mucosa, and certain cells in the brainstem that are sensitive to changes in the composition of the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. SYN: chemoceptor.
- medullary c. the chemoreceptors in or near the ventrolateral surface of the medulla that are stimulated by local acidity.
- peripheral c. the chemoreceptors in the carotid and aortic bodies that are stimulated by chemical changes in the composition of the blood such as hypoxia.

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che·mo·re·cep·tor -ri-'sep-tər also che·mo·cep·tor 'kē-mō-.sep-təralso 'kem-ō- n a sense organ (as a taste bud) responding to chemical stimuli

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n.
a cell or group of cells that responds to the presence of specific chemical compounds by initiating an impulse in a sensory nerve. Chemoreceptors are found in the taste buds and in the mucous membranes of the nose. See also receptor.

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che·mo·re·cep·tor (ke″mo-re-sepґtər) [chemo- + receptor] 1. a sensory nerve terminal adapted for excitation by chemical substances, e.g., olfactory and gustatory receptors. 2. a sense organ such as the carotid body, the aortic bodies, or the glomus jugulare, which is sensitive to chemical changes in the blood stream, especially reduced oxygen content, and reflexively increases both respiration and blood pressure. See also receptor (def. 2) and chemoreceptor system, under system.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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