Definition: A "beta receptor" is a type of protein found on the surface of certain cells in the body. These receptors are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which helps control many automatic functions like heart rate and blood pressure. When specific chemicals (like hormones) attach to beta receptors, they can cause certain effects, such as increasing heart rate or relaxing blood vessels.
A beta receptor is an important part of how our body functions, particularly in relation to the heart and blood vessels.