Integration of hindbrain and carotid body mechanisms that control the autonomic response to cardiorespiratory and glucoprivic insults

•Autonomic reflex responses are critical to ensure survival.•Hypoxia triggers the carotid body mediated sympathoexcitatory peripheral chemoreflex response.•Sympathetic baroreflex activation buffers moment-to-moment changes in arterial blood pressure.•Hypoglycaemia, or glucoprivation, elicits the glucose counter-regulatory response to return blood glucose levels to normal.•The activation of reticular neurons is necessary to initiate each of these reflexes.