MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -The carotid body (CB) located in the bifurcation of the common carotid artery is the main peripheral chemoreceptor in terms of its contribution to the cardiorespiratory, autonomic, and humoral responses to hypoxemia (1–4).

Detailed explanation-2: -These sensory chemoreceptors act to detect chemical changes in the body through the interaction with surrounding arterial blood flow by monitoring blood gas tension and pH.

Detailed explanation-3: -Chemoreceptors are found in the medulla oblongata, in aortic bodies and in carotid bodies (aortic and carotid bodies are clusters of cells located in the aorta and carotid artery respectively).

Detailed explanation-4: -Chemoreceptor function: Carotid body monitors the blood’s pH, pCO2, and pO2 and thereby modulates cardiovascular and respiratory function primarily through sympathetic tone.