noun
- a sensory receptor that detects chemical stimuli and responds to changes in chemical composition
Usage: biology; physiology
Examples
- Chemoreceptors in the nose detect different odor molecules.
- The carotid body contains chemoreceptors that monitor blood oxygen levels.
- Taste buds are chemoreceptors that respond to dissolved chemicals in food.
- Chemoreceptors in the brain stem help regulate breathing rate.
- Fish use chemoreceptors to detect pheromones in the water.
- The body’s chemoreceptors trigger reflexes when carbon dioxide levels rise.