Meaning of the word receptor in English

What does receptor mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

receptor

US /-tɚ/
UK /rɪˈsep.tər/
"receptor" picture

Noun

1.

an organ or cell able to respond to light, heat, or other external stimulus and transmit a signal to a sensory nerve

Example:
The eye contains light-sensitive receptors.
Pain receptors send signals to the brain.
2.

a region of tissue or a molecule in a cell membrane that responds specifically to a particular neurotransmitter, hormone, antigen, or other substance

Example:
Drug molecules bind to specific receptors on cell surfaces.
Hormones exert their effects by binding to specific receptors.