BRAINCAKEChemoreceptors
Chemoreceptors detect changes in the chemical composition of the blood, especially the carbon dioxide concentration and the pH. They are found in the carotid bodies (in the walls of the carotid arteries), the aortic bodies (in the aortic arch) and in the medulla oblongata itself. They also respond to large falls in oxygen concentration.
During exercise, muscles respire faster and release more carbon dioxide into the blood. Carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates to release hydrogen ions:
CO2 + H2O → H2CO3 → H+ + HCO3−
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Key terms in this lesson
- baroreceptor
- A stretch receptor that detects changes in blood pressure.
More in Homeostasis
- Controlling the Heart Rate
- Nervous Control of the Heart
- Baroreceptors
- Hormonal Control of the Heart
- Additional Responses
- Protein Homeostasis in the Liver
- Osmoregulation
- Osmoregulation in Mammals
All 41 lessons in Homeostasis · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics