Peripheral chemoreceptors

Peripheral chemoreceptors are specialized receptors located in the carotid bodies and aortic bodies that detect changes in the chemical composition of the blood. They play a crucial role in the body's homeostatic mechanisms, particularly in the regulation of respiration and circulation.

Pronunciation

Peripheral chemoreceptors: /pəˈrɪfərəl ˌkɛmoʊrɪˈsɛptərz/

Etymology

The term "peripheral chemoreceptors" is derived from the Greek words "peripheria" meaning "circumference", "chemo" meaning "chemical", and "receptor" which refers to a structure in the nervous system that receives and transmits signals.

Function

Peripheral chemoreceptors are primarily responsible for detecting changes in the levels of oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen ions (H+) in the blood. When these levels deviate from the norm, the chemoreceptors send signals to the brainstem, which in turn adjusts the rate and depth of respiration to restore balance.

Location

Peripheral chemoreceptors are found in two main locations: the carotid bodies, which are located at the bifurcation of the carotid artery, and the aortic bodies, which are located near the arch of the aorta. These locations allow the chemoreceptors to monitor the blood that is being delivered to the brain and the rest of the body, respectively.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Peripheral chemoreceptors
Wikipedia's article - Peripheral chemoreceptors

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