carotid sinus

carotid sinus definition - medical

carotid sinus

noun
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.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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