The solitary nucleus in the medulla oblongata of the brain recognizes changes in the firing rate of action potentials from the baroreceptors, and influences cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance.
Action potentials triggered in the baroreceptor ending are then directly conducted to the brainstem where central terminations (synapses) transmit this information to neurons within the solitary nucleus[6] which lies in the medulla.
Reflex responses from such baroreceptor activity can trigger increases or decreases in the heart rate.
[7] Hormone secretions that target the heart and blood vessels are affected by the stimulation of baroreceptors.
In people with essential hypertension the baroreceptors and their reflexes change and function to maintain the elevated blood pressure as if normal.
[10] The low-pressure baroreceptors, are found in large systemic veins, in pulmonary vessels, and in the walls of the right atrium and ventricles of the heart (the atrial volume receptors).
This can lead to bradycardia, dizziness and fainting (syncope) from touching the neck (often whilst shaving).