Physiology Flashcards
Autorhythmicity
The capability of the heart to beat rhythmically in the absence of an external stimuli
Where does the excitation of the heart originate?
Pacemaker cells in the SA node
What is the parasympathetic supply to the heart?
Vagus nerve
What is the neurotransmitter and receptor in parasympathetic?
ACh acting on M2 muscarinic receptors
What does atropine do?
Speeds up the heart
What does increasing vagal stimulation do to the slope of the pacemaker?
Decreases slope
What does increasing sympathetic stimulation do to the slope of the pacemaker?
Increases slope
What is the neurotransmitter and receptor in sympathetic?
NA acting on beta1 adrenoreceptors
What is blood pressure?
The outwards pressure exerted by the blood on the vessel walls
Which Korotkoff sound is hear when diastolic pressure is estimated?
Fifth
Pressure gradient between the aorta and the right atrium
Mean arterial pressure - central venous (right atrial) pressure
What is mean arterial blood pressure?
The average arterial blood pressure during a single cardiac cycle
Calculate mean arterial blood pressure
[(2 x diastolic) + systolic] / 3
What is the normal range of MAP?
70-105 mmHg
Relationship between MAP, TPR and CO
MAP = CO x TPR
What is cardiac output?
The volume of blood pumped by each ventricle of the heart per minute
Relationship between CO, SV and HR?
CO = SV x HR
What is stroke volume?
The volume of blood pumped by each ventricle per beat
What are the major resistance vessels?
Arterioles
Which cranial nerve is involved in transmission from the carotid baroreceptors?
IX th CN
Which cranial nerve is involved in transmission from the aortic baroreceptors?
X th CN
What are the two main factors which affect extracellular fluid volume?
- Water excess/deficit
2. Na+ excess/deficit
Which hormones regulate extracellular fluid volume?
- Renin angiotensin aldosterone system
- Atrial Natriuretic peptide
- Antidiuretic hormone
What is the rate limiting step for RAAS?
Renin secretion
What regulates total peripheral resistance?
Vascular smooth muscle