Changing the Rythm

Control of the Heart Rate

Although the origin of the heart beat comes from within the heart (the SAN), it is necessary for the heart rate to be modified to meet the demands of the body.

Modifications are controlled by the nervous system and the hormonal system

Nervous System Controlling the Heart Rate

The heart rate is therefore determined by the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity.

The cardiovascular centre recieves input from four main receptor groups, these inputs are processed and the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system is recruited accordingly.

Receptor groups that send inputs to the cardiovascular centre

1. Pressure receptors in the…