Final answer:
The loss of the baroreceptor reflex can occur due to decreased blood volume or high blood pressure. In both cases, the baroreceptors play a role in maintaining blood pressure through compensatory mechanisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The loss of the baroreceptor reflex can occur in several situations. One example is when there is a decrease in blood volume resulting from water loss. This leads to a decrease in blood pressure, which is detected by the baroreceptors. In response, the cardiovascular center triggers a reflex to increase the heart rate and/or strength of contractions to compensate for the lowered blood pressure. Another example is when blood pressure rises too high, causing the baroreceptors to fire at a higher rate. This triggers parasympathetic stimulation of the heart and sympathetic stimulation of peripheral arterioles, leading to a decrease in cardiac output and blood pressure.