BRAINCAKEAutonomic Control of the Heart Rate
During exercise, the heart rate needs to increase in response to an increased demand for oxygen. This is controlled by a region in the brain called the medulla oblongata.
There are two centres in the medulla oblongata: the cardiac acceleration centre and the vagal centre.
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Key terms in this lesson
- sino-atrial node
- A small group of cells in the wall of the right atrium that acts as the heart's pacemaker, generating regular electrical impulses that initiate each heartbeat.
- chemoreceptor
- A sensory receptor that responds to changes in the concentration of chemicals, such as pH-sensitive receptors in the carotid artery and aorta.
- pressure receptor
- A sensory receptor in the walls of the aorta and carotid arteries that detects changes in blood pressure.
More in Neuronal Communication
- Receptors in the Eye - Rod Cells
- Receptors in the Eye - Cone Cells
- Sino-Atrial Node
- Contraction of the Heart
- Chemoreceptors
- Pressure Receptors
- Reflex Arc
- Taxes
All 38 lessons in Neuronal Communication · All AQA A-level Biology topics