aortic body

The aortic bodies are small organs located near the arch of the aorta that act as peripheral chemoreceptors. They are crucial for regulating breathing by sensing changes in blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. When oxygen levels drop (hypoxia) or carbon dioxide levels rise (hypercapnia), the aortic bodies stimulate sensory nerves, increasing the rate and depth of breathing to restore normal gas levels. These bodies are exceptionally well-perfused and respond to the partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood. While they also respond to carbon dioxide, their sensitivity to oxygen changes is a primary function in respiratory control.1