Tissue in the carotid sinus which is concerned with cardiovascular reflexes.
A small mass of tissue in the carotid sinus containing chemoreceptors that monitor levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen ions in the blood. If the oxygen level falls, the chemoreceptors send impulses to the cardiac and respiratory centers in the brain, which promote increases in heart and respiration rates.
A small reddish-brown structure measuring 5—7 x 2-5-4 millimetres, situated one on each side of the neck, where the carotid artery divides into the internal and external carotid arteries. Its main function is in controlling breathing so that an adequate supply of oxygen is maintained to the tissues of the body. Oxygen levels are controlled by a reflex operating between the carotid body and the respiratory centre in the brain.
The chemoreceptors at the bifurcation of each common carotid artery, which detect changes in blood gases (especially oxygen) and pH. They stimulate reflex changes in heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure that restore normal blood oxygen levels. They are innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerves.