If we wait too long between meals, our blood glucose levels drop. Which receptors will respond to this decrease in blood glucose?

• A. Thermoreceptors
• B. Osmoreceptors
• C. Mechanoreceptors
• D. Electromagnetic receptors
• E. Chemoreceptors

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of chemoreceptors: Chemoreceptors are specialized sensory receptors that respond to chemical stimuli in the environment. In the context of blood glucose levels, they detect changes in the concentration of glucose in the blood.
2. Identify the function of each receptor type: Thermoreceptors respond to temperature changes, osmoreceptors detect changes in osmotic pressure, mechanoreceptors respond to mechanical pressure or distortion, and electromagnetic receptors respond to light and electromagnetic fields.
3. Relate the function of chemoreceptors to blood glucose: Since blood glucose levels involve chemical concentration changes, chemoreceptors are the appropriate receptors to detect these changes.
4. Consider the physiological response: When blood glucose levels drop, chemoreceptors in the body, particularly in the pancreas and brain, detect this change and trigger responses to increase glucose levels, such as the release of glucagon.
5. Conclude the reasoning: Based on the function of chemoreceptors and their role in detecting chemical changes, they are the receptors that respond to a decrease in blood glucose levels.