carotid body

noun Anatomy.

a small mass of cells and nerve endings adjacent to the carotid sinus that, in response to chemical changes in the blood, adjusts the respiratory rate.

Origin of carotid body

First recorded in 1935–40

Also called carotid gland.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

carotid body in Medicine

A small epithelioid structure, located just above the bifurcation of the common carotid artery on each side that serves as a chemoreceptor organ responsive to lack of oxygen, excess of carbon dioxide, and increased concentration of hydrogen ions.intercarotid body

carotid body in Science

A mass of tissue near the carotid sinus that contains chemical receptors sensitive to oxygen and pH levels in the blood and that is involved in the regulation of respiratory activity.