ABSTRACT
Baroreceptors are mechanoreceptors that respond to stretch and are also known as stretch or pressure receptors. They are terminal myelinated nerve endings, located within vessel walls and the cardiac chambers. High-pressure arterial baroreceptors: located within the walls of the aortic arch and carotid sinus. Because of their proximity to blood leaving the heart, these receptors are well positioned to control perfusion pressures to the coronary and cerebral circulations. They are involved in the rapid short-term control of blood pressure. Low-pressure baroreceptors: Located in the chambers of the heart, large systemic veins and the pulmonary vasculature. These receptors bring about changes in blood volume and are involved in the slower and sustained control of blood pressure. Activation of left ventricular chemo- and baroreceptors, located in the left ventricle, results in unopposed parasympathetic tone, leading to the triad of bradycardia, vasodilation and hypotension.
