True or false: Stimulation of alpha receptors will cause vasoconstriction in arterioles.

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Start by restating the prompt in my own words to frame the concept: the statement asserts that stimulating alpha receptors causes vasoconstriction in arterioles, and we must judge True or False.
Option 1: True. Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors located on vascular smooth muscle of many arterioles, especially in skin, gut, and renal circulations, respond to catecholamines like norepinephrine by contracting the smooth muscle, which narrows the vessel diameter. This vasoconstriction raises vascular resistance and can increase blood pressure. Therefore, the claim that alpha receptor stimulation leads to vasoconstriction is consistent with established physiology.
Option 2: False. If one claimed that alpha receptor stimulation does not cause vasoconstriction, they would be contradicting the well-documented role of alpha-1 receptor activation in smooth muscle contraction. This option would misstate the primary effect of alpha-adrenergic stimulation on peripheral arterioles, representing a common conceptual mistake about receptor-function mapping.
Additional nuance: it’s worth noting that different alpha subtypes and vascular beds can have varying responses under certain conditions, but the classic and most general teaching is that alpha-1 stimulation causes vasoconstriction in arterioles. An overly broad statement denying vasoconstriction would be incorrect, while recognizing receptor distribution or context-dependent exceptions can help clarify edge cases.
In summary, the accurate interpretation aligns with Option 1, and Option 2 reflects a misunderstanding of the basic role of alpha receptor activation in peripheral vasculature.

BIOL 251 Clinical Connections 7: Under Pressure

True or false: Stimulation of alpha receptors will cause vasoconstriction in arterioles.

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Question at position 62 True or False: Stimulation of alpha-1 receptors on the heart will result in an increased heart rate.TrueFalse

Stimulation of beta-1 receptors on cardiac muscle cells will result in:

The alpha and beta receptors belong to which division of the ANS?

Sympathetic post-ganglionic transmission

Sympathetic nervous system postganglionic fibres synapse on:

Delivering adrenaline via an 'Epi Pen' during anaphylactic shock has which of the following benefits?

Adrenaline acts on:

In a consumer society, many adults channel creativity into buying things

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler