Feedback Control of Circulation

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the feedback control of circulation, including the roles of various hormones, nerve supplies, and physiological responses.

Baroreceptor Reflex

A mechanism that detects changes in central arterial pressure and regulates heart rate and vascular tone to maintain blood pressure.

Inotropy

The strength of contraction of the heart muscle, influenced by autonomic nervous stimulation and certain agents.

Sympathetic Tone

Increased sympathetic nerve activity leading to the constriction of vascular smooth muscle and increased peripheral resistance.

Vasopressin

Also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), it regulates blood volume and blood pressure by promoting water retention and vasoconstriction.

Active Hyperaemia

An increase in blood flow to a tissue due to increased metabolic activity, resulting in local metabolite-induced vasodilation.

Central Ischemic Response

A compensatory mechanism triggered by reduced blood supply to the brain, which can significantly increase blood pressure.

Frank-Starling Law

The principle that the strength of the heart's contraction is directly proportional to the volume of blood filling the heart.

Chronotropic Effect

Changes in heart rate due to autonomic stimulation, particularly by sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.

Total Peripheral Resistance

The resistance to blood flow offered by the systemic vasculature, affecting arterial blood pressure.

Vaso-constriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases peripheral resistance and helps maintain blood pressure.