What is the carotid sinus reflex?
Structure. The carotid sinus is the reflex area of the carotid artery, consisting of baroreceptors which monitor blood pressure.
Are there baroreceptors in the carotid sinus?
The carotid sinus contains baroreceptors (stretch receptors), which are sensitive to pressure changes in the arterial blood pressure. The carotid sinus has dense innervation of many types of receptors that play a role in the control of blood pressure.
How does the carotid sinus reflex work?
The mechanics behind this are simple: If the Carotid Sinus senses high blood pressure, it stimulates the corresponding brain canter to slow the heart down, at least until the blood pressure comes down.
How do you check a carotid sinus reflex?
Carotid sinus reflex sensitivity is assessed by measuring heart rate and blood pressure responses to carotid sinus massage (Figure 46-4). Cardioinhibition and vasodepression are more common on the right side.
What side of neck is carotid artery?
There are two carotid arteries, one on the right and one on the left. In the neck, each carotid artery branches into two divisions: The internal carotid artery supplies blood to the brain. The external carotid artery supplies blood to the face and neck.
Does carotid sinus reflex increase heart rate?
An abnormal carotid sinus reflex can cause exaggerated responses of heart rate and blood pressure.
What happens when carotid sinus is pressed?
Carotid sinus hypersensitivity is an exaggerated response to pressure applied to the carotid sinus located in the carotid bifurcation, resulting in bradycardia, vasodilation, and hypotension. This response is manifested clinically as syncope or presyncope and can cause fatal consequences.
Is carotid sinus syndrome serious?
What kind of baroreceptors are in the carotid sinus?
Carotid Sinus and Carotid Body The carotid sinus has two types of fibers for transmission of vasculature status. Type 1 carotid baroreceptors, also known as dynamic baroreceptors, have large, myelinated A-fibers. Type 2 baroreceptors, also known as tonic baroreceptors, have small A-fibers and unmyelinated C-fibers.
Where is the afferent component of the baroreceptor reflex located?
The afferent component of the baroreceptor reflex is derived from pressure-sensitive receptors associated with the aortic arch and the carotid sinus. These baroreceptor afferent nerves all project into the CNS via the IXth and Xth cranial nerves and terminate in a distinct region of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS).
Where does the carotid sinus pressoreceptor reflex occur?
The carotid sinus reflex occurs with changes in transmural pressure of the baroreceptors at the carotid sinus. Afferent signals are sent via glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves to the nucleus tractus solitarius. Efferent signaling occurs through sympathetic and vagus nerves to the heart and blood vessels.
Which is the most sensitive baroreceptor in the cardiovascular system?
Of these two sites for arterial baroreceptors, the carotid sinus is quantitatively the most important for regulating arterial pressure. The carotid sinus receptors respond to pressures ranging from 60-180 mmHg (Figure 2). Receptors within the aortic arch have a higher threshold pressure and are less sensitive than…
