Baroreceptor reflex detects changes in blood pressure in which arteries?

Baroreceptor reflex detects changes in blood pressure in which arteries?

• A. Aorta and carotid arteries
• B. Pulmonary arteries
• C. Femoral arteries
• D. Coronary arteries

Answer: (A)

Baroreceptor reflex relies on stretch-sensitive receptors in the walls of the aorta and carotid arteries. When arterial pressure rises, these walls stretch more, increasing the firing rate from the carotid sinus and aortic arch baroreceptors. Afferent signals travel to the brainstem (via the glossopharyngeal nerve from the carotid sinus and the vagus nerve from the aortic arch), and the medulla adjusts autonomic output to bring pressure back toward normal—reducing heart rate, contractility, and vascular resistance. If pressure falls, the opposite adjustments occur to raise it. The pulmonary arteries, femoral arteries, and coronary arteries aren’t the primary sites for sensing systemic blood pressure in this reflex, so they don’t drive the baroreceptor-mediated changes in systemic BP.

Baroreceptor reflex relies on stretch-sensitive receptors in the walls of the aorta and carotid arteries. When arterial pressure rises, these walls stretch more, increasing the firing rate from the carotid sinus and aortic arch baroreceptors. Afferent signals travel to the brainstem (via the glossopharyngeal nerve from the carotid sinus and the vagus nerve from the aortic arch), and the medulla adjusts autonomic output to bring pressure back toward normal—reducing heart rate, contractility, and vascular resistance. If pressure falls, the opposite adjustments occur to raise it.

The pulmonary arteries, femoral arteries, and coronary arteries aren’t the primary sites for sensing systemic blood pressure in this reflex, so they don’t drive the baroreceptor-mediated changes in systemic BP.