Arterial stretch receptors, also known as arterial baroreceptors, are sensory receptors located in the walls of major arteries and are involved in regulating blood pressure. They are specialized nerve endings that detect changes in the stretch or tension of arterial walls and transmit this information to the central nervous system, particularly to the cardiovascular center in the brain.
These receptors consist of nerve fibers called baroreceptor endings, which are sensitive to mechanical stimuli. When arterial walls stretch due to increased blood pressure, the baroreceptor endings are activated and generate nerve impulses. Conversely, when arterial walls relax and experience less tension, the firing rate of these receptors decreases.
The information transmitted by arterial stretch receptors plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure homeostasis. When these receptors detect a rise in blood pressure, they send signals to the cardiovascular center, which results in a reflex mechanism aimed at lowering blood pressure. This is achieved by decreasing sympathetic nerve activity and increasing parasympathetic nerve activity, both of which regulate heart rate and blood vessel tone.
Conversely, if arterial stretch receptors detect a drop in blood pressure, the cardiovascular center activates mechanisms to increase blood pressure. This involves an increase in sympathetic nerve activity accompanied by a decrease in parasympathetic nerve activity, leading to enhanced heart rate and constriction of blood vessels.
Overall, arterial stretch receptors provide an important feedback mechanism for the body to respond to changes in blood pressure, helping to maintain a stable cardiovascular system.
