Cardiovascular System Exam Related

Review Cardiovascular System Exam related questions and content

Which structure serves as the major chemoreceptor of the heart?

  • A. Carotid body
  • B. Aortic body
  • C. Vagus nerve
  • D. SA node
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carotid body. The carotid body is the major chemoreceptor of the heart, detecting changes in oxygen levels in the blood. It sends signals via the glossopharyngeal nerve to regulate heart rate and blood pressure. The aortic body primarily monitors blood pressure, not chemoreception. The vagus nerve plays a role in regulating heart rate but is not a chemoreceptor. The SA node is the pacemaker of the heart, responsible for initiating the electrical signals for heart contraction, not chemoreception. Therefore, the carotid body is the correct choice for the major chemoreceptor of the heart.