What centre coordinates autonomic control of the heart, receiving input from sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways?

What centre coordinates autonomic control of the heart, receiving input from sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways?

• A. Cardiac Control Centre
• B. Nervous System
• C. CNS
• D. Movement of blood

Answer: (A)

The capacity of the autonomic system to regulate heart rate is coordinated by a specific centre in the brainstem. This Cardiac Control Centre in the medulla oblongata receives input from sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways and adjusts heart rate accordingly. It comprises the cardioacceleratory centre, which increases rate via sympathetic nerves to the SA node, AV node, and ventricles, and the cardioinhibitory centre, which decreases rate via the vagus nerve. It also integrates information from baroreceptors and higher brain centres to match heart function to needs. Other options are broader or describe outcomes rather than a control hub: the nervous system or CNS cover larger regions, while movement of blood is not a control centre.

The capacity of the autonomic system to regulate heart rate is coordinated by a specific centre in the brainstem. This Cardiac Control Centre in the medulla oblongata receives input from sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways and adjusts heart rate accordingly. It comprises the cardioacceleratory centre, which increases rate via sympathetic nerves to the SA node, AV node, and ventricles, and the cardioinhibitory centre, which decreases rate via the vagus nerve. It also integrates information from baroreceptors and higher brain centres to match heart function to needs. Other options are broader or describe outcomes rather than a control hub: the nervous system or CNS cover larger regions, while movement of blood is not a control centre.