Which structures are responsible for monitoring arterial pressure?

The carotid sinus and aortic arch are the primary structures responsible for monitoring arterial pressure within the circulatory system. These areas contain specialized baroreceptors that detect changes in the blood pressure.

The carotid sinus is located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery and is responsible for sensing changes in pressure as blood passes through to the head and neck. The aortic arch, where the aorta curves, serves a similar purpose for blood flowing to the body. When blood pressure changes, these baroreceptors send signals to the central nervous system, specifically the brain, which can then initiate appropriate physiological responses to maintain blood pressure homeostasis. This mechanism is vital for regulating blood flow and ensuring adequate perfusion to tissues throughout the body.

In contrast, the kidneys and adrenal glands are involved in long-term regulation of blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system but do not directly monitor arterial pressure in the immediate sense. Heart chambers and valves play a crucial role in the mechanics of blood flow but are not sensors for blood pressure, and pulmonary arteries and veins are primarily involved in the transport of blood to and from the lungs and do not have a role in monitoring systemic arterial pressure.