The CV center in the medulla oblongata, also known as the cardiovascular center, is a region in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in regulating cardiovascular functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood vessel diameter. It is involved in maintaining homeostasis and ensuring adequate blood supply to various organs.
The CV center consists of three main subdivisions: the vasomotor center, the cardiac accelerator center, and the cardiac inhibitory center.
1. Vasomotor Center: This subdivision of the CV center regulates blood vessel diameter or constriction and dilation. It controls the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels. When stimulated, it causes vasoconstriction, resulting in an increase in blood pressure. When inhibited, it causes vasodilation, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
2. Cardiac Accelerator Center: This subdivision is responsible for increasing heart rate and the force of contraction. It sends out signals through sympathetic nerves to the heart, stimulating it to beat faster and pump more forcefully.
3. Cardiac Inhibitory Center: This subdivision is responsible for slowing down heart rate and reducing the force of contraction. It sends out signals through parasympathetic nerves to the heart, inhibiting its activity.
The CV center receives sensory input from various sources, including baroreceptors (pressure sensors) located in blood vessels and chemoreceptors (chemical sensors) located in the arteries and the brain. These sensory signals allow the CV center to continuously monitor and adjust cardiovascular functions to maintain optimal blood flow and tissue perfusion.
Overall, the CV center in the medulla oblongata plays a vital role in regulating the cardiovascular system, ensuring adequate blood supply to organs, and responding to changes in blood pressure and oxygen levels in the body.
The CV center in medulla oblongata
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