1. A cellular structure that is postulated to exist in order to mediate between a chemical agent that acts on nervous tissue and the physiological response
   "The new medication was designed to bind to specific receptors in the brain"
    
2. An organ having nerve endings (in the skin, viscera, eye, ear, nose or mouth) that respond to stimulation
   "The retina is a sensory receptor that detects light";
   - sense organ, sensory receptor

Derived forms: receptors

Type of: anatomical structure, bodily structure, body structure, complex body part, organ, structure

Part of: sensory system

Encyclopedia: Receptor, melanocortin, type 4