A Sudden Rise in Arterial Blood Pressure Will

Question

A sudden rise in arterial blood pressure will:
A)cause a reflex increase in rate and depth of respirations.
B)cause a reflex slowing of respirations.
C)have no effect on respirations because of the control mechanisms in the cerebral cortex.
D)cause an immediate decrease in respirations followed by a prolonged period of rapid and shallow respirations.

Accepted Answer

A sudden rise in arterial blood pressure triggers a reflex slowing of respirations (known as the baroreceptor reflex). This is because the increased blood pressure stimulates baroreceptors in the aortic arch and carotid sinuses, which send signals to the brainstem to decrease sympathetic activity and increase parasympathetic activity. The result is a decrease in heart rate and respiratory rate.