Pulmonary chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors
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Pulmonary chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors
Respiratory system
Airflow and gas exchange
Anatomy and physiology
Breathing mechanics
Gas transport
Lung volumes and capacities
Physiologic adaptations of the respiratory system
Regulation of breathing
High Yield Notes
2 pages
Summary
Pulmonary chemoreceptors are specialized sensory cells located in the medulla, the aortic and carotid bodies, which detect changes in the concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. There are also pulmonary mechanoreceptors, which are specialized sensory cells located in the lungs and the airway smooth muscles. They respond to changes in lung stretch or pressure. Both the pulmonary chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors work together to help maintain proper gas exchange and lung function during exercise and other activities that can alter the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.