Peripheral chemoreceptors act most importantly to detect variation of the oxygen in the arterial blood, in addition to detecting arterial carbon dioxide and pH.

These nodes, called the aortic body and carotid body, are located on the arch of the aorta and on the common carotid artery, respectively.

A continual signal is sent, via cranial nerves IX and X, from the peripheral chemoreceptors.

With a decrease in arterial oxygen tension, the signal intensifies, calling for an increase in respiration.