7th February 2024

Short-term control

Baroreceptors continuously monitor blood pressure. Baroreceptors are stretch receptors in blood vessel walls that respond to increased blood pressure. There are two baroreceptors in our body – high-pressure baroreceptors and low-pressure baroreceptors.

High-pressure baroreceptors are located within the carotid sinus and aortic arch. Low-pressure baroreceptors are located in the right atrium. High- and low-pressure baroreceptors send signals integrated into the medulla’s cardiovascular centre. The cardiovascular centre then sends appropriate responses via the autonomic nervous system – sympathetic or parasympathetic system. Stimulation of the sympathetic system will cause increased heart rate and peripheral vasoconstriction, leading to increased blood pressure. Stimulation of the parasympathetic system will cause a decrease in heart rate to reduce blood pressure.