When baroreceptors sense a change in pressure is the autonomic nervous system activated?

Yes, when baroreceptors sense a change in pressure, the autonomic nervous system is activated.

The baroreceptors are stretch receptors that are located in the walls of the carotid sinus and aortic arch. They sense changes in blood pressure and send signals to the brainstem. The brainstem then activates the autonomic nervous system to adjust heart rate and blood vessel diameter in order to maintain blood pressure within a normal range.

For example, if blood pressure drops, the baroreceptors will sense the decrease and send signals to the brainstem. The brainstem will then activate the sympathetic nervous system, which will cause the heart rate to increase and blood vessels to constrict. This will help to raise blood pressure back to normal.

Conversely, if blood pressure increases, the baroreceptors will sense the increase and send signals to the brainstem. The brainstem will then activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which will cause the heart rate to decrease and blood vessels to dilate. This will help to lower blood pressure back to normal.