adrenergic receptor medical definition

Any of several reactive components of effector tissues most of which are innervated by adrenergic postganglionic fibers of the sympathetic nervous system and are activated by norepinephrine, epinephrine, and various adrenergic drugs. They are classified as alpha-adrenergic receptors and beta-adrenergic receptors according to their response to various adreneregic activating and blocking agents. Also called adrenoreceptor.