Chemoreceptors

Chemoreceptors are sensory neurons that detect changes in chemicals that bind to a receptor in the neuron's membrane, transducing them into action potentials. The receptors can be specific to one chemical or respond to a variety of chemicals with similar molecular structures. Based on their location, they are classified as either central or peripheral.

Some of these chemoreceptors are essential for the homeostasis of organisms, as they detect changes in CO₂, O₂, carbon dioxide, oxygen and pH, playing a key role in regulating many important physiological functions, such as blood pressure or respiration, for instance.