Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
enteroceptor

enteroceptor

9.9
A nerve cell that senses changes inside the body, for example in the gut
  • noun
  • /ˌɛn.təˈroʊ.sɛp.tər/
  • Specialized
: enteroceptor
  • The enteroceptor plays a crucial role in regulating digestive functions by detecting changes inside the gut.

Examples

  • The enteroceptor helps the body sense when the stomach is full or empty.

  • Researchers have identified several types of enteroceptors that monitor blood pressure.

  • Damage to enteroceptors can lead to impaired detection of internal bodily changes.

  • The enteroceptor detects changes in internal organ pressure.

  • Many enteroceptors play a role in regulating digestion.

  • Without healthy enteroceptors, the body struggles to recognize pain from internal injuries.

  • Scientists study how enteroceptors react to changes in the internal environment, affecting overall health.

Synonyms

interoceptor
vsenteroceptor
  • Specialized
9.9

A nerve cell inside the body that senses changes in organs

has identical meaning but uses a different technical word form

Surface Forms

enteroceptor singular
enteroceptors plural

Morphology

enteroceptor = receptor (semi-transparent) = entero + receptor

Formally built from the medical combining form 'entero-' (relating to internal organs/intestine) + 'receptor'; the combining form is not a standalone common English word, so understanding requires specialized knowledge.

Etymology

Enteroceptor comes from Greek entero- meaning 'intestine' or 'internal organs' and Latin -ceptor meaning 'one who receives', as in receptor. So an enteroceptor is a sensor that 'receives' signals from inside the body.