Which receptor would be most involved in sensing blood pressure changes?

Which receptor would be most involved in sensing blood pressure changes?

• A. Mechanoreceptor
• B. Nociceptor
• C. Baroreceptor
• D. Photoreceptor

Answer: (C)

Baroreceptors are stretch-sensitive mechanoreceptors located in the walls of the carotid sinus and aortic arch. They detect how much the arterial walls are stretched, which changes with blood pressure. When BP rises, the walls stretch more and baroreceptors fire more rapidly; this information goes to the brainstem and triggers autonomic adjustments (slowing the heart and dilating vessels) to bring BP back down. When BP falls, nerve firing decreases, and the opposite response raises BP. This baroreceptor reflex continually helps maintain stable blood pressure. Nociceptors detect pain, photoreceptors detect light, and while mechanoreceptors cover touch and pressure in general, baroreceptors are the specific receptors tuned to monitor blood pressure changes.

Baroreceptors are stretch-sensitive mechanoreceptors located in the walls of the carotid sinus and aortic arch. They detect how much the arterial walls are stretched, which changes with blood pressure. When BP rises, the walls stretch more and baroreceptors fire more rapidly; this information goes to the brainstem and triggers autonomic adjustments (slowing the heart and dilating vessels) to bring BP back down. When BP falls, nerve firing decreases, and the opposite response raises BP. This baroreceptor reflex continually helps maintain stable blood pressure. Nociceptors detect pain, photoreceptors detect light, and while mechanoreceptors cover touch and pressure in general, baroreceptors are the specific receptors tuned to monitor blood pressure changes.