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Angiotensin

Etymology:

Gr. ángos: “vessel” + L. tendere: “to stretch, stretch out, distend, extend” (this etymology is counterintuitive because it implies it "distends" blood vessels, but this term is combining angio, referring to blood vessels, and hypertension, referring to high blood pressure)

Definition:

A protein that narrows blood vessels and allows the kidneys to reabsorb more sodium and water thus regulating arterial pressure.


The angiotensin subtypes, I and II, are most often used in medical discourse rather than just angiotensin alone. Angiotensin I is the precursor protein to angiotensin II, which is the protein that has direct effects on the blood vessels and kidneys.



Disclaimer: The definition of abducens nerve (see hyperlink for attribution and more information) has been modified such that its respective etymology and other related context has been integrated for educational purposes and without compromising the reasonable integrity of the definition. Please see Terms of Service for more details.

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