Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

What is the primary location of Beta-2 receptors?

1. Heart

2. Kidneys

3. Lungs

4. Liver

The correct answer is: Lungs

The primary location of Beta-2 receptors is in the lungs. These receptors are part of the sympathetic nervous system and play a critical role in the respiratory system. When stimulated, Beta-2 receptors facilitate bronchodilation, which is the widening of the air passages in the lungs. This effect is crucial during situations requiring increased airflow, such as during exercise or in response to asthma. In contrast, while Beta-1 receptors are primarily found in the heart and are responsible for increasing heart rate and contractility, Beta-2 receptors are specific to various tissues, but their most significant action and concentration can be observed in the smooth muscle of the lungs. The kidneys and liver also do not primarily express Beta-2 receptors, which limits their relevance in comparison to the respiratory function provided by these receptors in the lungs. This understanding of receptor locations is fundamental in pharmacology and affects treatment approaches for respiratory conditions.