baroreceptor reflex
Quick Summary
The baroreceptor reflex is a physiological mechanism that helps regulate blood pressure. Specialized pressure sensors called baroreceptors, located in the major arteries near the heart and within the heart itself, detect changes in blood pressure.1
When blood pressure increases, these baroreceptors signal the nervous system via the vagus nerve and glossopharyngeal nerve. This triggers a response that decreases sympathetic outflow, leading to a lower heart rate, reduced cardiac contractility, and dilation of peripheral blood vessels. The net effect is a reduction in blood pressure. Conversely, a drop in blood pressure would elicit an opposite response to raise it. This reflex is crucial for maintaining stable blood pressure and ensuring adequate blood flow to vital organs.1
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