Carotid body
Carotid Body
The Carotid Body (pronounced: kuh-ROT-id BOD-ee) is a small cluster of chemoreceptors and supporting cells located near the fork (bifurcation) of the carotid artery. The carotid body detects changes in the composition of arterial blood flowing through it, mainly the partial pressure of oxygen, but also of carbon dioxide.
Etymology
The term "Carotid" is derived from the Greek word "karōtides" meaning "sleep-inducing", it was believed that pressure on these arteries could induce a state of unconsciousness or sleep. The term "Body" is used to denote a mass or collection of cells performing a specific function.
Function
The primary function of the Carotid Body is to regulate the body's respiratory rate based on the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. It sends signals to the brain when it detects changes in these levels, prompting the brain to adjust the respiratory rate to maintain optimal oxygen and carbon dioxide balance in the body.
Related Terms
- Chemoreceptors: Specialized cells that detect changes in chemical composition and trigger a response in the body.
- Carotid Artery: The major artery that supplies blood to the head and neck.
- Respiratory Rate: The number of breaths taken per minute, a vital sign of respiration in the body.
- Brain: The organ that controls the body's functions, including respiration.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carotid body
- Wikipedia's article - Carotid body
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