How Do You Spell CENTRAL CHEMORECEPTORS?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛntɹə͡l kˌiːmə͡ʊɹˈɛsɛptəz] (IPA)

The spelling of "central chemoreceptors" is determined by the sounds within the word. Using IPA phonetic transcription, we can break down the pronunciation as /ˈsen.trəl kiˈmoʊ riˌsɛptərz/. The first syllable begins with the "s" sound, followed by a short "e" sound and ending with a "n" sound. The second syllable includes a soft "k" sound, a long "o" sound, a short "i" sound, and ends with the "r" sound. The final syllable begins with an "s" sound, a short "e" sound, and ends with a "p" sound and a "t" sound.

CENTRAL CHEMORECEPTORS Meaning and Definition

1. Central chemoreceptors are specialized neurons located in the central nervous system, specifically in the medulla oblongata, which is responsible for sensing the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and pH in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. These chemoreceptors play a vital role in maintaining the body's acid-base balance and regulating respiratory function.

   When carbon dioxide dissolves in the CSF, it forms carbonic acid and increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), leading to a decrease in pH. Central chemoreceptors are highly sensitive to changes in pH caused by alterations in the CO2 levels. When they detect an increase in CO2 concentration, or a decrease in pH, they initiate a signal to the respiratory center in the medulla oblongata, which regulates the rate and depth of breathing.

   The central chemoreceptors work in coordination with other chemoreceptors in the body, such as peripheral chemoreceptors located in the aortic arch and carotid bodies, to maintain adequate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. The central chemoreceptors primarily respond to changes in CO2 levels, whereas peripheral chemoreceptors primarily respond to changes in oxygen levels.

   In summary, central chemoreceptors are specialized neurons in the medulla oblongata that detect changes in carbon dioxide levels and pH in the cerebrospinal fluid. Their primary function is to regulate respiratory rate and maintain acid-base balance in the body.

Etymology of CENTRAL CHEMORECEPTORS

The word "central" in "central chemoreceptors" comes from the Latin word "centralis", which means "at the center" or "in the middle".

The word "chemoreceptors" is a compound word derived from the Greek words "chemo" meaning "chemical" and "receptor" meaning "a device that responds to a stimulus".

Therefore, "central chemoreceptors" refers to specific receptors located in the central nervous system, particularly in the brain, that are sensitive to changes in chemical composition, such as the levels of carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions (pH), in order to regulate respiration.