Baroreceptor Reflex

Question 1

where are the most important baroreceptors located?

Answer 1

carotid sinus - at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery into the external carotid artery to the internal carotid artery

also - at the aortic arch

Question 2

how do the signals from the baroreceptors reach the medulla?

Answer 2

via the glossopharyngeal nerve

and for aortic arch - 10th cranial nerve/vagus

Question 3

what are baroreceptors?

Answer 3

they are mechanoreceptors that are sensitive to stretch ie stretch in the arterial vasculature due to pressure

ie the firing rate:
increases - when MAP increase
and
decreases - when MAP decreases

Question 4

how do baroreceptors send afferent impulses to the control centre?

Answer 4

> the control centre receives afferent information, the NTS relays information to other regions in the brain
this generates parasympathetic outflow to the heart and regulates spinal sympathetic neurones: the supplies include heart and blood vessels

Question 5

what is the nucleus tractus solitarius?

Answer 5

the NTS : is site of 1st synapse for all CVS afferents in the medulla?