beta-receptor

noun

be·​ta-re·​cep·​tor ˈbā-tə-ri-ˈsep-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 vasodilation, relaxation of bronchial and uterine smooth muscle, and increased heart rate) when bound by specific adrenergic agents compare alpha-receptor

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

beta-receptor

noun

be·​ta-re·​cep·​tor

-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 vasodilation, relaxation of bronchial and uterine smooth muscle, and increased heart rate) when bound by specific adrenergic agents

called also beta-adrenergic receptor, beta-adrenoceptor

compare alpha-receptor