Baroreceptors are responsible for sensing human
Baroreceptors are responsible for sensing human
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Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
Baroreceptors are mechanosensitive (stretch-sensitive) neuronal terminals found primarily in: (1) Carotid sinus (at the bifurcation of the internal and external carotid arteries) — innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX); (2) Aortic arch — innervated by the vagus nerve (CN X). They are activated by increases in arterial blood pressure (vessel wall stretch) and send afferent signals to the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in the medulla oblongata. Reflex response to high BP: increased parasympathetic (vagal) tone (bradycardia), decreased sympathetic tone (vasodilation) → BP falls back toward set-point. This baroreflex is the primary short-term blood pressure homeostasis mechanism. Baroreceptors do NOT sense oxygen saturation (chemoreceptors), temperature (thermoreceptors), or directly regulate heart rate as their primary function.