Which receptors primarily monitor the pH of cerebrospinal fluid?

Central chemoreceptors play a critical role in monitoring the pH of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) because they are sensitive to changes in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, which in turn affect the acidity of the CSF. When CO2 levels rise due to metabolic processes or respiratory issues, it diffuses into the CSF and reacts with water to form carbonic acid, leading to a decrease in pH. The central chemoreceptors, located in the medulla oblongata, detect these changes in pH and stimulate adjustments in respiratory rate and depth to restore homeostasis by increasing the exhalation of CO2. This process is crucial for maintaining proper acidic balance in the brain’s environment, as significant deviations can impair neuronal function.

Peripheral chemoreceptors, while also involved in monitoring blood gases and pH, primarily respond to changes in arterial blood rather than directly to the CSF. Surface receptors and baroreceptors serve different functions unrelated to the direct monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid pH, with surface receptors being more related to sensory functions and baroreceptors focused on blood pressure regulation.