Juxtacapillary receptors

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellnesspedia

Juxtacapillary receptors (also known as J-receptors or C-fiber receptors) are a type of pulmonary stretch receptors found in the lung. They are located in the alveolar walls close to the capillaries and are particularly sensitive to increases in the capillary pressure.

Function[edit | edit source]

Juxtacapillary receptors are sensitive to various factors such as pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, and congestive heart failure. They are activated by substances like bradykinin, serotonin, and prostaglandins that may accumulate in the lung interstitium. When activated, these receptors can trigger rapid, shallow breathing, sensations of dyspnea (shortness of breath), and coughing.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Juxtacapillary receptors are unmyelinated nerve fibers that are in close proximity to the capillaries in the alveolar wall. They are believed to be part of the non-myelinated C fibers of the vagus nerve.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Understanding the function of juxtacapillary receptors can be crucial in managing conditions such as pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. Their activation can be a sign of increased capillary pressure and can help in early detection and treatment of these conditions.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]



Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD