Lab 9 - Cardio Phys Lab

Chapter 1: Autonomic Nervous System

  • Introduction to Cardiovascular Physiology Lab

    • Focus: The cardiovascular system and the autonomic nervous system's role in its regulation, particularly heart rate.

    • Objective: Explore effects of activity on heart rate, specifically during exercise and the Valsalva maneuver.

  • Effects of Activity on Heart Rate

    • Exercise: Defined as any physical effort that can alter heart rate.

    • Valsalva Maneuver: A breathing technique impacting heart rate through the autonomic system.

  • Heart's Autorhythmic Nature

    • The heart generates its own electrical signals necessary for contraction.

    • Although autorhythmic, the heart is coordinated with body functions via the nervous system.

  • Cardiovascular Control Center

    • Location: Medulla oblongata of the brainstem.

    • Function: Modulates heart rate and stroke volume to meet bodily demands.

  • Nervous System Divisions

    • Central Nervous System: Brain and spinal cord.

    • Peripheral Nervous System: Nervous tissue outside CNS.

      • Divided into:

        • Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

        • Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary responses.

Chapter 2: Autonomic Nervous System

  • Role of the Autonomic Nervous System

    • Manages involuntary responses and homeostasis.

    • Effectors include: Cardiovascular muscle tissue, smooth muscles, and glands.

  • Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System

    • Sympathetic Division: Mobilizes body systems, activates 'fight or flight' response.

    • Parasympathetic Division: Conserves energy, activates 'rest and digest' response.

  • Heart Rate Regulation

    • Parasympathetic: Decreases heart rate.

    • Sympathetic: Increases heart rate.

    • SA Node: Specialized structure that initiates electrical signals for heart contraction.

    • Involuntary heart regulation is mediated by autonomic nervous system branches.

Chapter 3: Resting Heart Rate

  • Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Influence on Heart Rate

    • Sympathetic activation results in increased heart rate.

    • Parasympathetic activation results in decreased heart rate.

  • Data Collection for Cardiovascular Physiology Lab

    • Students will be divided into three groups: Control group, exercise, Valsalva maneuver.

    • Procedure:

      • Record resting heart rate to establish baseline data.

      • Conduct group-specific activities.

      • Record heart rate after activity.

      • Calculate percentage change using baseline and after activity heart rates.

      • Data compiled in class Google Sheet with average values shared for lab reports.