Nervous/ Neural Control

Neural control is the process used by the nervous system to control everything from movement to physiological processes.

Neural Control comprises the sympathetic system and parasympathetic system. The sympathetic system increases heart rate. The parasympathetic system decreases heart rate to its resting rate. The medulla oblongata controls these two systems.

Cardiac control is stimulated by: Chemoreceptors: detect increases in CO2 and lactic acid. Baroreceptors: detect increases in blood pressure. Proprioceptors: detect increases in muscle movement.

The cardiac control centre sends impulses through the sympathetic nervous system to the SAN and heart rate increases.