View source for 47. The function and importance of baroreceptors in the regulation of circulation

Baroreceptors are small receptors located within the walls of vessels. Like the name suggests these receptors detect changes in the blood pressure (by detecting changes in the stretch of the wall of the vessels). If a baroreceptor detects a change in blood pressure it can send a feedback signal to the autonomic nervous system to regulate the blood pressure back to normal.

The baroreceptors are especially important in many cardiovascular ''reflexes'' which regulate the blood pressure quickly. When the receptors are activated, they initiate a reflex which regulates the blood pressure back to normal.

Baroreceptors are found in many parts of the circulatory system:

* In high-pressure parts
** Carotid sinus (most important)
** Aortic arch
** Cerebral blood vessels
* In low-pressure parts
** Atria
** Large veins

The specific reflexes are described in topic 48.
[[Category:Physiology 1]]