PERIPHERAL CHEMORECEPTORS Meaning and
Definition
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Peripheral chemoreceptors refer to specialized sensory cells located in the periphery of the body that are responsible for detecting changes in the chemical composition of the blood and surrounding tissues. These chemoreceptors play a crucial role in regulating breathing and are primarily found in two main locations: the carotid bodies and the aortic bodies.
The carotid bodies are grouped clusters of cells located near the bifurcation of the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. The aortic bodies, on the other hand, are located in the aortic arch, which is a major blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart. Both types of chemoreceptors are highly sensitive to changes in oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, and pH in the blood.
When the peripheral chemoreceptors detect alterations in the chemical composition of the blood, they send signals to the brain via the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve, ultimately leading to respiratory responses. For instance, if the oxygen levels in the blood decrease or if there is an increase in carbon dioxide levels or acidity, the chemoreceptors will trigger an increase in ventilation to restore the balance. Conversely, if the oxygen levels increase or carbon dioxide decreases, the chemoreceptors will send signals to decrease the rate of breathing.
In summary, peripheral chemoreceptors are sensory cells located in the carotid bodies and aortic bodies that play a vital role in maintaining the body's respiratory system by monitoring and responding to changes in blood chemistry.
Etymology of PERIPHERAL CHEMORECEPTORS
The term "peripheral chemoreceptors" can be broken down into two parts to understand its etymology:
1. Peripheral: This term comes from the Latin word "peripheria" which means "circumference" or "outer part". In biology and medicine, peripheral refers to structures located away from the center or the main organ.
2. Chemoreceptors: This term is a combination of "chemo-" which stems from the Greek word "khēmiā" meaning "chemistry", and "receptors" which means "sensory organs" or "cells that respond to stimuli". Chemoreceptors are sensor cells that detect changes in the chemical composition of the surrounding environment.
Therefore, the term "peripheral chemoreceptors" refers to sensory cells or organs located in the outer part or periphery of the body that are responsible for detecting and responding to changes in the chemical composition of the environment.
