Question

How does the nervous system control cardiovascular regulation and respiration?

Answer 1

The central neuronal networks within the spinal cord, brainstem and hypothalamus that are responsible for controlling cardiovascular autonomic outflows have been identified. This provides a basis for understanding the role of the central nervous system (CNS) in homeostatic regulation of circulation and the changes that accompany pathologies of the cardiovascular system. This chapter will highlight progress that has been made in our understanding of the central control of the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system in both health and disease states, such as hypertension and heart failure. We shall start by reflecting on the main aim of the CNS in regards to controlling the circulation....