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.

* * *

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

* * *

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.

* * *

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.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • chemoreceptor — chemoreceptór s. m., pl. chemoreceptóri Trimis de siveco, 10.08.2004. Sursa: Dicţionar ortografic  CHEMORECEPTÓR s.m. 1. Parte terminală a unui organ care, în contact cu moleculele unei substanţe din mediul extern, o recepţionează şi… …   Dicționar Român

  • chemoreceptor — [kē′mōri sep′tər, kem΄ōri sep′tər] n. a component of a nerve ending, esp. a protein, that binds chemicals that stimulate sensations of taste, smell, etc. chemoreceptive adj …   English World dictionary

  • Chemoreceptor — A chemoreceptor, also known as chemosensor, is a sensory receptor that transduces a chemical signal into an action potential. In more general terms, a chemosensor detects certain chemical stimuli in the environment. Contents 1 Classes 2 Cellular… …   Wikipedia

  • Chemoreceptor trigger zone — The chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), is an area of the medulla that receives inputs from blood borne drugs or hormones, and communicates with the vomiting center, to initiate vomiting. The CTZ is close to the area postrema on the floor of the… …   Wikipedia

  • chemoreceptor — noun Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary Date: 1906 a sense organ (as a taste bud) responding to chemical stimuli …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • chemoreceptor — the receptors for chemoreception, e.g. taste buds on barbels, skin and in the mouth …   Dictionary of ichthyology

  • chemoreceptor — n. [Gr. chemeia, pert. chemistry; L. receptor] A sense organ stimulated by chemical substances that may be perceived as smell (olfaction) or direct contact …   Dictionary of invertebrate zoology

  • chemoreceptor — A cell or group of cells specialized for responding to chemical substances in the environment …   Dictionary of molecular biology

  • chemoreceptor — /kee moh ri sep teuhr, kem oh /, n. Physiol. a receptor stimulated by chemical means. [1905 10; CHEMO + RECEPTOR] * * * …   Universalium

  • chemoreceptor — noun a sense organ, or one of its cells (such as those for the sense of taste or smell), that can respond to a chemical stimulus; a chemosensor See Also: chemoreception, chemosensory …   Wiktionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”