1. Receptors postulated to exist on nerve cell membranes of the sympathetic nervous system in order to explain the specificity of certain agents that affect only some sympathetic activities (such as vasoconstriction and relaxation of intestinal muscles and contraction of smooth muscles)
   "Alpha receptors are targeted by certain medications to control blood pressure";
   - alpha-adrenergic receptor, alpha-adrenoceptor

Derived forms: alpha receptors

Type of: receptor

Part of: sympathetic nervous system

Encyclopedia: Alpha receptor