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The Principles and Importance of Homeostasis

The nervous and hormonal control of heart rate

  • 3 things to know
  • Components 01, 02 and 03

Overview

Recall questions on what myogenic means, the cardiovascular centre and its sympathetic and parasympathetic outputs, baroreceptor and carbon dioxide responses, and why adrenaline's effect outlasts a nerve impulse.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

How does a rise in the carbon dioxide concentration of the blood during exercise increase heart rate?

Key term

The heart is described as myogenic. Explain what this means.

Key term

Which structure sets the basic rhythm at which the heart beats?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    The heart is described as myogenic. Explain what this means.

    Model answer

    Cardiac muscle contracts with its own intrinsic rhythm generated within the heart itself, without needing a nerve impulse to initiate each beat.

  2. 2

    Which structure sets the basic rhythm at which the heart beats?

    Model answer

    The sinoatrial node, in the wall of the right atrium.

  3. 3

    Name the region of the brain that contains the cardiovascular centre.

    Model answer

    The medulla oblongata.

  4. 4

    Which nerve carries parasympathetic impulses to the sinoatrial node, and what neurotransmitter does it release?

    Model answer

    The vagus nerve, which releases acetylcholine.

  5. 5

    What effect does increased sympathetic activity have on the heart, and which neurotransmitter brings it about?

    Model answer

    Noradrenaline is released, which increases the frequency at which the sinoatrial node fires and the force of ventricular contraction, so heart rate and cardiac output rise.

  6. 6

    Where are the baroreceptors that monitor arterial blood pressure found?

    Model answer

    In the walls of the aortic arch and in the carotid sinuses.

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