Carotid body

The carotid body is a small cluster of chemoreceptors, baroreceptors, and supporting cells located near the bifurcation of the carotid artery. It measures changes in blood pressure and the composition of arterial blood flowing past it, including the partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide and is also sensitive to changes in pH and temperature. The chemoreceptors responsible for sensing changes in blood gasses are called glomus cells.

It gives feedback to the medulla oblongata via the afferent branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve (IX). The medulla, in turn, regulates breathing and blood pressure.

Disorders

A paraganglioma is a tumor that may involve the carotid body.

See also

• Aortic body
• Control of respiration

External links

• Respiratory physiology notes at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (Missouri)