carotid sinus

noun Anatomy.

specialized nerve end organs producing a slight dilatation of the carotid artery where it branches into the external and internal carotid arteries, responding to changes in blood pressure by mediating changes in the heartbeat rate.

Origin of carotid sinus

First recorded in 1940–45

Words nearby carotid sinus

carotid body, carotid bruit, carotid canal, carotid ganglion, carotid sheath, carotid sinus, carotid sinus syncope, carotid triangle, carotid-body tumor, carotid-cavernous fistula, carotin

Medical definitions for carotid sinus

carotid sinus

n.

A dilation of the common carotid artery at its bifurcation into the internal and external carotids, containing baroreceptors that when stimulated cause slowing of the heart, vasodilation, and a fall in blood pressure.

Scientific definitions for carotid sinus

carotid sinus

A dilated region that is located at the point of bifurcation of the carotid artery and contains pressure receptors (called baroreceptors), which upon stimulation cause slowing of the heart rate, vasodilation, and a decrease in blood pressure.