PULMONARY STRETCH RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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A pulmonary stretch receptor refers to a specialized sensory receptor located in the lungs that is essential for monitoring and regulating the respiratory system. These receptors are primarily found in the smooth muscle of the airways, more specifically in the walls of the larger bronchi and in the interstitium surrounding the alveoli. They are responsible for detecting changes in the lung's size and volume, particularly related to stretching or inflation.
When the lungs expand during inhalation, the pulmonary stretch receptors are activated by the mechanical stretch they experience. This stimulus triggers afferent nerve fibers connected to these receptors to send signals to the brain, specifically to the medulla oblongata, which is responsible for controlling breathing patterns. The brain then processes this information and responds by adjusting the rate and depth of breathing.
The main function of the pulmonary stretch receptor is to prevent overinflation of the lungs. By monitoring the lung's volume, it helps maintain a normal and optimal level of air supply to the body. When these receptors detect excessive stretching of the lung tissue, they initiate a reflex response that inhibits the inspiratory center in the brainstem, causing a temporary interruption in breathing. This mechanism prevents the lungs from being overstretched and protects against potential lung damage.
In summary, pulmonary stretch receptors are specialized sensory receptors found in the lungs that sense changes in lung volume and stretching. They play a crucial role in regulating breathing patterns and preventing overinflation of the lungs.
Common Misspellings for PULMONARY STRETCH RECEPTOR
- oulmonary stretch receptor
- lulmonary stretch receptor
- -ulmonary stretch receptor
- 0ulmonary stretch receptor
- pylmonary stretch receptor
- phlmonary stretch receptor
- pjlmonary stretch receptor
- pilmonary stretch receptor
- p8lmonary stretch receptor
- p7lmonary stretch receptor
- pukmonary stretch receptor
- pupmonary stretch receptor
- puomonary stretch receptor
- pulnonary stretch receptor
- pulkonary stretch receptor
- puljonary stretch receptor
- pulminary stretch receptor
- pulmknary stretch receptor
- pulmlnary stretch receptor
- pulmpnary stretch receptor
