Textbook Question
The structure of a capillary wall differs from that of a vein or an artery because
a. it has two tunics instead of three
b. there is less smooth muscle
c. it has a single tunic—only the tunica intima
d. none of these
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19. The Blood Vessels
General Blood Vessel Structure
Problem 4
Textbook Question
Baroreceptors that function in the regulation of blood pressure are located in the:
(a) Left ventricle
(b) Brainstem
(c) Carotid sinus
(d) Common iliac artery
(e) Pulmonary trunk
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of baroreceptors: Baroreceptors are specialized sensory receptors that detect changes in blood pressure by sensing the stretch of blood vessel walls. They play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis by sending signals to the brain to adjust heart rate and vascular resistance.
Identify the key locations of baroreceptors: Baroreceptors are primarily located in areas where blood pressure changes can be effectively monitored. These include the carotid sinus (located in the carotid arteries) and the aortic arch. These locations are ideal for detecting pressure changes in blood flowing to the brain and systemic circulation.
Eliminate incorrect options based on anatomy: The left ventricle is part of the heart and does not contain baroreceptors. The brainstem processes signals from baroreceptors but does not house them. The common iliac artery and pulmonary trunk are not primary sites for baroreceptors.
Focus on the carotid sinus: The carotid sinus is a dilation in the carotid artery that contains baroreceptors. It is strategically located to monitor blood pressure changes in the blood supply to the brain.
Conclude that the correct answer is the carotid sinus, as it is one of the primary locations of baroreceptors involved in blood pressure regulation.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Baroreceptors
Baroreceptors are specialized sensory nerve endings that detect changes in blood pressure. They are primarily located in the walls of blood vessels, particularly in the carotid sinus and aortic arch. When blood pressure rises or falls, these receptors send signals to the central nervous system to help regulate cardiovascular function and maintain homeostasis.
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Blood Pressure Regulation
Blood pressure regulation is a critical physiological process that maintains adequate blood flow to organs and tissues. It involves complex interactions between the heart, blood vessels, and nervous system. Baroreceptors play a key role in this regulation by providing feedback to the brain, which adjusts heart rate and vascular resistance accordingly.
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Carotid Sinus
The carotid sinus is a dilated area located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery into the internal and external carotid arteries. It contains a high density of baroreceptors that monitor arterial blood pressure. Changes in pressure within the carotid sinus trigger reflexive responses to either increase or decrease heart rate and vascular tone, thus influencing overall blood pressure.
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