osmoreceptor /os·mo·re·cep·tor/ (oz″mo-re-sep´ter)
osmoreceptor
1. any of a group of specialized neurons in the hypothalamus that are stimulated by increased osmolality (chiefly, increased sodium concentration) of the extracellular fluid; their excitation promotes the release of antidiuretic hormone by the posterior pituitary.
os·mo·re·cep·tor 1 ( z m -r -s p t r, s-)n. A receptor in the central nervous system that responds to changes in the osmotic pressure of the blood. |
| os·mo·re·cep·tor 2 (zm-r-sptr, s-) n. A receptor that receives olfactory stimuli. |
osmoreceptor
[-risep′tər]
Etymology: Gk, ōsmos, impulse; L, recipere, to receive
1 a neuron in the hypothalamus that is sensitive to the relative fluid/solute concentration in the blood plasma and that regulates the secretion of antidiuretic hormone.
2 a receptor of smell stimuli.
osmoreceptor
1. a specialized sensory nerve ending sensitive to stimulation giving rise to the sensation of odors.
2. any of a group of specialized neurons of the supraoptic nuclei of the thalamus that are stimulated by increased extracellular fluid osmolality to cause the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the posterior pituitary.
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