1. A sensory nerve ending in blood vessel walls that detects changes in blood pressure and helps regulate cardiovascular function.
Usage: Also spelled 'baroceptor'; Medical/physiological term; Commonly found in the carotid sinus and aortic arch

Examples

• Baroreceptors in the carotid artery sense sudden drops in blood pressure.
• The baroreceptor reflex helps maintain stable blood pressure during changes in body position.
• Damage to baroreceptors can impair the body's ability to regulate heart rate and blood vessel constriction.
• When you stand up quickly, baroreceptors detect the pressure change and trigger compensatory responses.
• Medical students learn about baroreceptors as part of cardiovascular physiology.