Lecture 4: integration of reflex control Flashcards
What is the simplest model of a reflex arc?
Composed of a sensor which sends information to the brainstem (integrator) via afferent pathways. The information is then intergrated and sent to effector organs via efferent pathways
What are the 2 types of receptors found in arteries?
Mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors
What type of receptors are baroreceptors?
Mechanoreceptors
What do arterial baroreceptors respond to?
Changes in arterial blood pressure/stretch
What are the 2 types of arterial barpreceptors?
Carotid baroreceptors and aortic baroreceptors
Where are carotid baroreceptors located?
The carotid sinus at the bifurcation of the internal and external carotid arteries
Where are the aortic baroreceptors located?
The arch of the aorta
What is the afferent pathway of the carotid reflex loop?
Carotid sinus
↓
Glossopharyngeal (IXth cranial) nerve
↓
cardiovascular centre in medulla
What is the efferent pathway of the carotid baroreflex loop?
Cardiovascular centre in medulla
↓
Vagus (Xth cranial) nerve
↓
SA node
What is the afferent pathway of the aortic baroreflex loop?
Aortic sinus
↓
Aortic nerves
↓
Cardiovascular centre in medulla
What is the efferent pathway of the aortic baroreflex loop?
Cardiovascular centre in medulla
↓
Vagus (Xth cranial) nerves
↓
SA node
What is hypotension and what are the effects of this?
Low arterial blood pressure
Reduced perfusion of oxygenated blood to tissues
What is hypertension and what are the effects of this?
High arterial blood pressure
Damage to fragile circulations, particularly cerebral circulation
What is the role of the carotid baroreflex?
Maintains normal pressure in circulation perfusing the brain
What is the role of the aortic baroreflex?
Governs systemic arterial blood pressure homeostasis
What type of activity is shown by baroreceptor fibres?
Tonic
What does ‘tonically active’ mean in reference to baroreceptor fibres?
Continuous bursts of action potentials are sent to the brainstem via their respective afferent pathways
What is tonic baroreceptor discharge in phase with?
Aterial blood pressure pulse
What is mechanotransduction?
The process by which a mechanical stimulus is converted intoa neural code which the brainstem can perceive
How does an increase in arterial blood pressure result in a change in the heart rate?
- High blood pressure stretches walls of aorta and carotid sinus, stimulating baroreceptors
- Increased frequency of action potentials triggered in the afferent nerve so increase in AP received by cardiovascular centre
- Increased efferent parasympathetic discharge
- Decreased efferent sympathetic discharge
- Decreased rate and force of contraction so decrease in CO
Which part of the cardiovascular centre is responsible for parasympathetic discharge?
Cardiac inhibitory centre
Which part of the cardiovascular centre is responsible for sympathetic discharge?
Cardiac acceleratory centre
What are the 2 regions of the cardiovascular centre in the medulla?
Cardiac centre and vasomotor centre
What is the result of an increased rate of action potentials to the vasomotor centre?
- Reduced sympatetic impulses, causing peripheral vasoconstriction
- Reduced arteriolar tone
- Reduced venomotor tone
- Reduced CO and TPR
- Reduces blood pressure