carotid body: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “carotid body” mean?
A small cluster of chemoreceptor cells located near the bifurcation (splitting point) of the carotid artery, primarily responsible for sensing changes in blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small cluster of chemoreceptor cells located near the bifurcation (splitting point) of the carotid artery, primarily responsible for sensing changes in blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels.
In broader medical and physiological contexts, it may refer to the primary peripheral chemoreceptor organ, crucial for regulating breathing and blood pressure in response to changes in blood gas composition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
None beyond its strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Frequency is identical and confined to specialist fields in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “carotid body” in a Sentence
VERB + carotid body: resect, stimulate, denervate, exciseADJECTIVE + carotid body: glomus, hyperplastic, functioning, bilateralVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
The carotid body's role in cardiorespiratory homeostasis is a focus of extensive physiological research.
Everyday
Almost never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The patient underwent surgical resection of a carotid body tumour due to persistent hypertension.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “carotid body”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carotid body”
- Misspelling as 'carodid body' or 'carotoid body'.
- Confusing it with the 'carotid sinus', which is a baroreceptor (senses pressure), not a chemoreceptor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there is typically a paired carotid body located near the bifurcation of each common carotid artery.
Carotid body resection (or denervation) can lead to a blunted ventilatory response to low oxygen (hypoxia), meaning the body becomes less able to increase breathing rate when oxygen levels drop.
No, under normal circumstances you cannot feel your carotid body. A noticeable lump in the neck could be a sign of a carotid body tumour, which requires medical evaluation.
No, it is a highly specialized medical term not used in everyday language. It is primarily used by healthcare professionals, physiologists, and researchers.
A small cluster of chemoreceptor cells located near the bifurcation (splitting point) of the carotid artery, primarily responsible for sensing changes in blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels.
Carotid body is usually technical/scientific in register.
Carotid body: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈrɒt.ɪd ˌbɒd.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈrɑː.t̬ɪd ˌbɑː.di/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny 'bodyguard' (body) stationed at the fork in your CARotid artery, constantly checking the 'air quality' (oxygen) of your blood.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SENSOR or ALARM SYSTEM for blood chemistry.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the carotid body?