Central chemoreceptors are neurons in the medulla that respond directly to changes in ________.

Here is the answer to Central chemoreceptors are neurons in the medulla that respond directly to changes in __.

Central chemoreceptors are neurons in the medulla that respond directly to changes in __?

Central chemoreceptors are neurons in the medulla that respond directly to changes in __.

The correct answer is below.

Central chemoreceptors

The central chemoreceptors are located in the superficial ventral part of the medulla oblongata, symmetrical to the left and right, and can be divided into three zones: cephalic, medial, and caudal.

The physiological stimuli of the central chemoreceptors are the cerebrospinal fluid and local extracellular H+. Its effective stimulus is not CO2 itself, but the increase in [H+] induced by CO2.

In vivo, CO2 in the blood rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier and raises [H+] in the fluid around the chemoreceptors, which stimulates the central chemoreceptors, which in turn causes excitation of the respiratory center.

However, the cerebrospinal fluid contains little carbonic anhydrase, and the hydration reaction of CO2 with water is slow, so there is a time delay in the response to CO2. H+ in the blood does not easily cross the blood-brain barrier, so changes in blood pH have a little direct effect on the central chemoreceptors and are slower.

Characteristics of Central chemoreceptors

Functions of Central chemoreceptors

To regulate the concentration of hydrogen ions in the cerebrospinal fluid, so that the central nervous system has a certain stable pH environment.

Central chemoreceptors are different from peripheral chemoreceptors in that they do not sense the stimulus of O2 deficiency, but they are more sensitive to CO2 than peripheral ones and have longer response latency.

The role of central chemoreceptors may be to regulate the [H+] of cerebrospinal fluid so that the central nervous system has a stable pH environment. While the role of peripheral chemoreceptors is mainly to maintain the drive for respiration when the body is low in O2.

Central chemoreceptors that regulate respiratory activity are divided into peripheral chemoreceptors and central chemoreceptors, depending on their location.

The former refers to the carotid and aortic bodies, where impulses are transmitted to the respiratory center along the sinus nerve and vagus nerve, respectively. The latter is located in the ventral superficial part of the medulla oblongata, near the Ⅸ and X nerve roots, and can sense H+ stimulation in the cerebrospinal fluid and influence the activity of the respiratory center through neural connections.

Correct Answer

Here is the correct answer to Central chemoreceptors are neurons in the medulla that respond directly to changes in __?

• Answer: cerebrospinal fluid pH.

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