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Glite Dictionary
osmoreceptor

osmoreceptor

9.9
A cell that senses when body fluids like blood become too concentrated
  • noun
  • /ˌɑzmoʊrɪˈsɛptər/
  • Specialized
: osmoreceptor
  • An increase in serum osmolality stimulates osmoreceptors located in the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus to release ADH.

Examples

  • When the body's hydration levels drop, osmoreceptors trigger the sensation of thirst to encourage fluid intake.

  • Osmoreceptors play a crucial role in regulating the body's fluid balance and are sensitive to changes in osmotic pressure.

  • The osmoreceptors in the kidneys help maintain blood pressure by monitoring the concentration of solutes in the blood.

Surface Forms

osmoreceptor singular
osmoreceptors plural

Morphology

osmoreceptor = receptor (semi-transparent) = osmo + receptor

The formation is regular ('osmo-' + 'receptor') and describes a receptor for osmotic changes, but 'osmo-' is a technical combining form that may be unfamiliar to average B1 learners.

Etymology

Osmoreceptor comes from two parts: osmo- meaning 'push' because water moves by pressure, and receptor meaning 'receiver' or sensor, like 'receive'. So an osmoreceptor is a cell that 'receives' or senses the push of water or a change in fluid concentration, which helps the body notice when it does not have enough water.