The cardiovascular centre, or cardiovascular center, is part of the medulla oblongata of the brainstem.[1][2] Normally, the heart beats without nervous control. In some situations, such as exercise, and major trauma, the cardiovascular centre is responsible for altering heart rate. It also mediates respiratory sinus arrhythmia.
Function
The cardiovascular centre responds to a variety of types of sensory information, such as:
The cardiovascular centre also increases the stroke volume of the heart (that is, the amount of blood it pumps). These two changes help to regulate the cardiac output, so that a sufficient amount of blood reaches tissues. This function is so significant to normal functioning of the circulatory system that the cardiovascular centre is considered a vital centre of the medulla oblongata.[2][3]
Many anaesthetics depress the activity of the cardiovascular center.[6]Phencyclidine may be a useful anaesthetic because it does not impact the cardiovascular center.[6] This also contrasts phencyclidine from many other recreational drugs.[6]
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