end organ

noun

: a structure forming the end of a neural path and consisting of an effector or a receptor with its associated nerve terminations

Examples of end organ in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web All reflexes follow a looping nerve response: an arc toward the central nervous system, called the afferent limb, and an arc away from the central nervous system to the end organ, termed the efferent limb. Christopher Linstrom, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'end organ.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of end organ was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near end organ

Cite this Entry

“End organ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/end%20organ. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

end-organ

1 of 2 adjective
: of or relating to an organ (as the liver or kidney) that is ultimately affected by a chronic or progressive disease or condition
diabetic end-organ damage
predictions of end-organ function and failure in severe sepsisG. J. Slotman

end organ

2 of 2 noun
: a structure forming the peripheral terminus of a path of nerve conduction and consisting of an effector or a receptor with its associated nerve terminations
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