What is the primary function of baroreceptors?

Baroreceptors are specialized sensory receptors primarily responsible for detecting changes in blood pressure. They are located in key areas of the cardiovascular system, particularly in the carotid sinuses and the aortic arch. When blood pressure rises or falls, these receptors sense the stretch or relaxation of the arterial walls and send signals to the central nervous system. This information is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, as it helps regulate heart rate, blood vessel diameter, and overall blood pressure through reflex mechanisms. The body responds to the feedback from baroreceptors to make necessary adjustments in cardiovascular function to stabilize blood pressure, making their role essential in the autonomic regulation of the circulatory system. Other choices, such as measuring body temperature or assessing oxygen saturation, involve different types of receptors and physiological processes, and therefore do not pertain to the function of baroreceptors.