Definition

A type of sensory nerve ending that responds to changes in pressure, particularly found in the walls of blood vessels like large arteries.

Example

The baroreceptor helps regulate blood pressure by detecting changes in the pressure of the blood vessels.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a baroreceptor?

Yeah, I think it's related to blood pressure, right?

Exactly! It helps our body detect changes in pressure.

That's pretty cool; our bodies have such amazing sensors!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Baroreceptor → It is formed from "baro-" (from Greek "baros", meaning weight or pressure) and "receptor" (from Latin "recipere", meaning to receive). The word describes a sensory receptor that receives pressure changes in the body.

Memory Tip

Think of 'weight' or 'pressure' ('baro-') being 'received' ('receptor') by a sensor in the body — that's what a baroreceptor does.

Visually Confused Words