Which term is a receptor that detects blood pressure changes?

• A. Carcinogen
• B. Baroreceptor
• C. Bifurcation
• D. Carcinogenesis

Answer: (B)

Baroreceptors are specialized mechanoreceptors that detect changes in blood pressure by sensing stretch in the walls of arteries. When blood pressure rises, they fire more rapidly, signaling the brain to lower heart rate and dilate vessels to bring pressure back down. When pressure falls, their firing slows, prompting an increase in heart rate and vasoconstriction to raise pressure. This baroreceptor reflex helps maintain short-term blood pressure homeostasis and involves signals from the carotid sinus and aortic arch traveling to the brainstem.

The other terms aren’t about sensing blood pressure: carcinogen means a cancer-causing substance, carcinogenesis is the process of cancer development, and bifurcation is where a vessel splits into two branches.