Receptor definition

(biochemistry) A molecular structure or site on the surface or interior of a cell that binds with substances such as hormones, antigens, drugs, or neurotransmitters.

(biochemistry) A molecular structure or site on the surface or interior of a cell that binds with substances such as hormones, antigens, or neurotransmitters or is activated by events such as a change in the concentration of an ion.

A structure or site, found on the surface of a cell or within a cell, that can bind to a hormone, antigen, or other chemical substance and thereby begin a change in the cell. For example, when a mast cell within the body encounters an allergen, specialized receptors on the mast cell bind to the allergen, resulting in the release of histamine by the mast cell. The histamine then binds to histamine receptors in other cells of the body, which initiate the response known as inflammation as well as other responses. In this way, the symptoms of an allergic reaction are produced. Antihistamine drugs work by preventing the binding of histamine to histamine receptors.

A receiver (in various senses)

(physiology) A specialized cell or group of nerve endings that responds to sensory stimuli.

A nerve ending or other structure in the body, such as a photoreceptor, specialized to sense or receive stimuli. Skin receptors respond to stimuli such as touch and pressure and signal the brain by activating portions of the nervous system. Receptors in the nose detect the presence of certain chemicals, leading to the perception of odor.

(physiology) A specialized cell or group of nerve endings that responds to sensory stimuli.

(biochem.) Any of a group of substances, mainly proteins, found esp. on the surface of a cell, that combine with specific molecules, hormones, antibodies, drugs, viruses, etc.

(physiol.) A nerve ending or group of nerve endings specialized for the reception of stimuli; sense organ.