Peripheral chemoreceptors

Peripheral chemoreceptors are specialized sensory cells that detect changes in the chemical composition of the blood. They are located in the carotid bodies and aortic bodies, which are small clusters of cells found near the major blood vessels of the heart. These chemoreceptors play a crucial role in the body's response to changes in oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in the blood.

Function

Peripheral chemoreceptors are primarily responsible for detecting changes in the levels of oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and the pH of the blood. When these levels change, the chemoreceptors send signals to the brain, which then initiates responses to restore the levels to normal.

The primary function of peripheral chemoreceptors is to monitor the oxygen levels in the blood. When these levels drop, the chemoreceptors send a signal to the brain to increase the rate and depth of breathing. This helps to bring more oxygen into the body and remove excess carbon dioxide.

Peripheral chemoreceptors also play a role in detecting changes in the levels of carbon dioxide and the pH of the blood. When the levels of carbon dioxide increase, or the pH decreases (indicating an increase in acidity), the chemoreceptors send a signal to the brain to increase the rate and depth of breathing. This helps to remove excess carbon dioxide from the body and restore the pH to normal.

Location

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

Clinical significance

Peripheral chemoreceptors play a crucial role in maintaining the body's homeostasis. Dysfunction of these chemoreceptors can lead to a variety of medical conditions, including sleep apnea, hypertension, and heart failure. In addition, they are also involved in the body's response to hypoxia and hypercapnia.

See also

• Central chemoreceptors
• Homeostasis
• Respiratory system

References

Peripheral chemoreceptors Resources
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