Central Chemoreceptor vs. Peripheral Chemoreceptor

Attribute	Central Chemoreceptor	Peripheral Chemoreceptor
Location	Located in the brainstem	Located in the carotid bodies and aortic bodies
Stimulus	Responds to changes in CO2 and pH levels in the cerebrospinal fluid	Responds to changes in O2, CO2, and pH levels in the blood
Function	Regulates ventilation in response to changes in CO2 and pH levels	Regulates ventilation in response to changes in O2, CO2, and pH levels

Location

Central chemoreceptors are located in the medulla oblongata of the brain, specifically in the ventral surface of the medulla. These receptors are sensitive to changes in the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid. On the other hand, peripheral chemoreceptors are located in the carotid bodies and aortic bodies. These receptors are sensitive to changes in the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the blood.

Stimulus

The central chemoreceptors are primarily stimulated by changes in the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid. When the pH decreases (becomes more acidic), the central chemoreceptors are activated, leading to an increase in ventilation to remove excess carbon dioxide and restore the pH to normal levels. In contrast, peripheral chemoreceptors are primarily stimulated by changes in the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the blood. When the oxygen levels decrease or carbon dioxide levels increase, the peripheral chemoreceptors are activated, leading to an increase in ventilation to restore homeostasis.

Response

Central chemoreceptors respond to changes in pH by increasing or decreasing the rate and depth of breathing. When the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid decreases (becomes more acidic), the central chemoreceptors signal the respiratory centers in the brain to increase ventilation to remove excess carbon dioxide and restore the pH to normal levels. On the other hand, peripheral chemoreceptors respond to changes in oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in the blood by increasing or decreasing the rate and depth of breathing. When the oxygen levels decrease or carbon dioxide levels increase, the peripheral chemoreceptors signal the respiratory centers in the brain to increase ventilation to restore homeostasis.

Adaptation

Central chemoreceptors do not adapt to chronic changes in pH levels. This means that they continue to respond to changes in pH, even if the changes are prolonged. In contrast, peripheral chemoreceptors can adapt to chronic changes in oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in the blood. This adaptation allows the peripheral chemoreceptors to become less sensitive to changes in these parameters over time, which can be beneficial in certain situations, such as living at high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower.

Regulation

The central chemoreceptors are primarily regulated by changes in the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid. When the pH decreases, the central chemoreceptors are activated, leading to an increase in ventilation. Peripheral chemoreceptors, on the other hand, are primarily regulated by changes in the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the blood. When these levels deviate from normal, the peripheral chemoreceptors are activated, leading to changes in ventilation to restore homeostasis.

Function

Central chemoreceptors play a crucial role in regulating the body's pH by monitoring changes in the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid. By adjusting ventilation in response to changes in pH, central chemoreceptors help maintain the acid-base balance in the body. Peripheral chemoreceptors, on the other hand, play a crucial role in regulating the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels by monitoring changes in these parameters in the blood. By adjusting ventilation in response to changes in oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels, peripheral chemoreceptors help ensure that the body receives an adequate supply of oxygen and removes excess carbon dioxide.