Physiology · Cardiovascular System · Medium

Adenosine

Meaning: A nucleoside that slows conduction through the atrioventricular node and acts as a signalling molecule in the brain.

In practice: A rapid bolus of adenosine terminated the patient's supraventricular tachycardia.

Word parts

  • adeno- means gland

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Quick check

Two questions on related physiology words.

Which word means: A chemical messenger secreted by a gland that travels in the blood to target organs.

Which word means: The delivery of blood through capillaries to tissues.

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Related words

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