Where are peripheral chemoreceptors located?

Peripheral chemoreceptors play a crucial role in regulating respiratory function by responding to changes in blood chemistry, particularly levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH. The primary locations of peripheral chemoreceptors are indeed in the carotid arteries and the arch of the aorta. The carotid bodies, located at the bifurcation of the common carotid arteries, are responsible for sensing changes in arterial blood oxygen levels. Similarly, the aortic bodies, which are situated in the arch of the aorta, also detect changes in blood chemistry.

The reason the correct answer is centered around the aortic bodies is that they represent one of the significant clusters of peripheral chemoreceptors that contribute to overall regulation of respiration. They send signals to the brain to adjust breathing rates and depth in response to low oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood, helping to maintain homeostasis.

While the medulla oblongata is crucial for controlling autonomic functions, including respiratory rhythm and rate, it houses central chemoreceptors, which are different from peripheral ones. These central chemoreceptors primarily respond to changes in carbon dioxide and pH levels in the cerebrospinal fluid.

The statement about the lungs is incorrect because the lungs primarily facilitate gas exchange rather than