SNAB A2 biology - Topic 7 end of topic key words

Cardiovascular control centre - located in the medulla oblongata in the brain. Controls heart rate.

autonomic nervous system  - nervous system that you have no control over 

sympathetic nerve - (accelerator) going from the cardiovascular control centre to the heart. Stimulation of the sympathetic nerves prepares the body's systems for action (for the fight or flight response). Increases heart rate and stroke volume and breathing rate. Inhibits peristalsis (muscle contraction in the gut wall that moves food through the gut).

vagus nerve - this is a parasympathetic nerve. It goes from the cardiovascular control centre to the heart (decelerator).

parasympathetic nerve - stimulation of the parasympathetic nerves controls the body's systems when resting and digesting. Decreases breathing rate, heart rate and stroke volume. Stimulates peristalsis (muscle contraction in…