Peripheral chemoreceptor
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Peripheral chemoreceptors specialized cells located in the carotid and aortic bodies. They measure the concentration of various chemicals in the blood and convery this information to the brain to help regulate homeostasis. Specifically they respond to the decreased arterial partial pressure of oxygen, increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide and increase in acidity of the blood. These sensors are rapidly responding.
Chemostimuli leads to depolarisation of excitable cells, transmitter release, and increased nerve traffic to the brainstem. The cellular mechanisms are still debated.
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