1.1 The Cardiovascular System

Question 1

What is the Sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 1

A part of the autonomic nervous system that speeds up heart rate

Question 2

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 2

A part of the autonomic nervous system that decreases heart rate

Question 3

What is the nervous system made up of?

Answer 3

The central nervous system (CNS) - the brain and spinal cord
The peripheral nervous system - this consists of nerve cells that transmit information to and from the CNS

Question 4

What is the cardiac control centre?

Answer 4

The medulla oblongata

Question 5

How does heart rate increase?

Answer 5

Sympathetic nervous impulses are sent to the SAN and there is a decrease in parasympathetic nerve impulses so that heart rate increases

Question 6

Chemoreceptors

Answer 6

These are tiny structures that are found in the carotid arteries and the aortic arch that detect an increase in carbon dioxide in the blood. An increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood have the effect of stimulating the sympathetic nervous system

Question 7

Barorecptors