Peripheral chemoreceptor

Peripheral chemoreceptors are specialized cells located in the carotid and aortic bodies, that measure the concentrations of various chemicals in the blood and convey the information to the brain to help regulate homeostasis. These rapid-response sensors respond to the decreased arterial partial pressure of oxygen, increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide and increase in acidity of the blood.

Chemostimuli lead to depolarization of excitable cells, transmitter release, and increased nerve traffic to the brainstem. The cellular mechanisms are still uncertain.