3.6.1 Response to stimuli Flashcards
Describe how electrical impulses control the cardiac cycle (start at the SAN)
How does atrial contraction occur ?
Depolarisation at the SAN generated an electrical impulse that spreads across the right and left atria
Why can’t the wave of electrical impulse pass directly from the atria to the ventricals?
There is a band of non conducting collagen tissue preventing this
Why is there a delay before the impulse is conducted from the AVN to the ventricles ?
It ensures that the atria have finished contracting and have emptied and the ventricles have filled with blood before they contract
What are the Purkyne fibres?
Large specialised muscle fibres that conduct impulses rapidly to the apex of the ventricles
What is the Bundle of His?
The right and left bundles of fibre are collectively known as the Bundle of His
Why do the ventricles contract from the bottom up ?
This ensures the blood is pushed into the aorta and pulmonary artery
What controls the rate of breathing ?
Ventilation centres in the medulla oblongata in the brain
What happens when the level of carbon dioxide in the blood increases during exercise ?
the pH of the blood decreases
Where are chemoreceptors and what do they do ?
Aortic bodies and carotid bodies that are sensitive to changes in blood pH and send impulses to the medulla oblongata
What happens if chemoreceptors detect a decrease in blood pH?
They send nerve impulses to the medulla oblongata which sends more frequent nerve impulses via the sympathetic NS to the intercostal muscles and diaphragm. This increases the rate and depth of breathing
Why does the cardiac output increase during exercise?
The heart rate and stroke volume increase
Which part of the brain controls the heart rate ?
The cardiovascular centre in the medulla oblongata
How does the cardiovascular centre control the heart rate ?
It controls the rate at which the SAN fires electrical impulses
What are baroreceptors and how are they stimulated?
pressure receptors in the aortic and carotid bodies which are stimulated by high and low pressure
How are chemoreceptors involved in heart rate?
They monitor the oxygen level in the blood and also carbon dioxide and pH
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
Gets the body ready for action. Stimulates effectors - e.g. increases the heart rate during exercise