What is the alternate term for pressure receptors in the body?

Baroreceptors are specialized mechanoreceptors that respond to changes in blood pressure. They are crucial for maintaining homeostasis by detecting alterations in the stretch of blood vessel walls, particularly in the carotid sinus and aortic arch. When blood pressure rises, these receptors become more active, sending signals to the brain to initiate responses that lower blood pressure, such as decreasing heart rate and dilating blood vessels. Conversely, if blood pressure falls, baroreceptors decrease their firing rate, prompting sympathetic responses to help restore blood pressure levels.

This specialized function sets baroreceptors apart from other types of receptors. Osmoreceptors, for instance, respond to changes in osmolarity of the body fluids, while chemoreceptors detect changes in chemical composition, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Thermoreceptors, on the other hand, are involved in temperature regulation. Thus, the term that specifically refers to pressure receptors in the body is baroreceptors, highlighting their essential role in cardiovascular regulation.