Carotid and Aortic bodies refer to the compositions of cells situated on the common carotid artery and the aortic arch, correspondingly. These peripheral chemoreceptors comprise of glia-like type II and type I glomus cells.
The chemoreceptor cells in the aortic bodies and carotid bodies are sensitive to the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood. When it falls, the signals are transmitted to the medulla leads to increased ventilation rate. This signifies a negative feedback control of breathing.
