Control of Heart Rate (Contd)

Reflexes

Circulatory:

  • Carotid sinus and aortic arch: increase in arterial blood pressure would stimulate baroreceptors that send impulses to the medulla oblongata to stimulate the CIC resluting in Bradychardia.
  • Right atrium Distension stimulates stretch receptors that woudl inhibit the CIC resulting in tachycardia (Bainbridge Reflex)
  • Chemoreceptors in Lt Ventricles that are stimulated by chemical compounds (e.g. nicotine) resulting in Bradychardia.
  • Aortic and carotid Bodies chemoreceptors are sensitive to changes in the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations as well as pH. A decrease in oxygen, an increase in carbon dioxide and a decrease inpH result in tachycardia.

Extracirculatory:

  • Lungs: inflatiopnof the lungs result in stimulation of stretch receptors in the bronchi and bronchioles resultin in inhibition of the CIC - Tachycardia
  • Skeletal Muscles: contraction of skeletal muscles causes tachycardia.
  • Trigger zones: Heavy blow to certain areas of the body (larynx, abdomen or testes) can cause a strong vagal response resultin in Bradycardia.
  • Eyes - Occulo Cardiac Reflex - Pressure over the eyes can cause bradycardia
  • Pain - Cutaneous or Deep pain results in tachycardia while Visceral pain results in bradycardia.