In today's class, we are going to explore the functions and interactions between the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Relating to the cardiovascular system, we will study:
parts of the nervous system
nerves
neurotransmitters
anatomy of the heart
blood flow
scientific research
The Heart Is the 2nd Brain
The heart has its own nervous system. This system is called the intracardiac nervous system. Since discovering that there are neurons in the heart, many scientists and medical professionals accept the heart as a second brain.
The brain-heart connection is a mystery! Sensory communication between the heart and brain runs in both directions, but the heart sends more signals to the brain than vice versa. Scientists and medical experts have a greater understanding of the physical relationship between the brain and heart than their mental/emotional connection.
Is the Heart a Second Brain?
One of the main ways that scientists and doctors are gaining greater knowledge about the heart-brain connection is through the reported experiences of heart transplant recipients. People who have received a heart from a donor have had some fascinating experiences. Transplant recipients have reported that their emotions, taste preferences, behavior, and even memories have changed. Experts are now asking questions such as: Is the heart more than just a pump? Does it have its own intelligence? Is it possible for transplant patients to inherit behavioral, emotional, and character traits through cellular memories from the hearts of their donors?
The brain and heart need each other. Without the brain, the heart would not receive instructions on how to function. Without the heart, the brain would not receive the blood and oxygen it needs to do its job.
The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord. The brainstem is made of three parts: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata is the part of the brainstem that connects directly with the spinal cord and controls heartbeat and blood circulation.
Vagus nerves are located on the medulla oblongata of the brainstem. They are cranial nerves because they originate from the brain. These nerves control the functioning of the heart.
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The nervous system is made up of cells called neurons, aka nerve cells. Neurons release chemical substances called neurotransmitters that stimulate voluntary and involuntary activity throughout the body.
The cardiovascular system is regulated by both the parasympathetic system and the sympathetic system. Your environmental conditions and your responses to different stimuli determine which system is in control.
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The parasympathetic system is called the "rest and digest" system because it is in charge during normal activities such as relaxing, eating, and sleeping.
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Neurotransmitter - Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine (ACh) is the most common neurotransmitter in the body. The parasympathetic system releases this neurotransmitter via the vagus nerve when your heart beats at a normal rate and your body is in its resting state.
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The sympathetic system is called the "fight or flight" system. When you encounter dangerous or stressful situations, this system kicks in. It is also active when you feel nervous or excited, like when your crush is near.
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Neurotransmitter - Adrenaline
The sympathetic nervous system causes the release of adrenaline during a fight or flight episode, increasing the heart rate and bringing oxygen to muscles. Adrenaline is also released during times of excitement and positive stimulation.
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The Cardiovascular System
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The heart is the main organ in the cardiovascular system. It is a muscle that pumps blood through a network of arteries and veins. Every day it pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood and beats about 100,000 times.
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Arteries and veins are the vessels that circulate blood throughout the body.
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The right atrium receives blood from the veins and pumps it into the right ventricle. The right ventricle receives blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs, where it is loaded with oxygen.
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The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the left ventricle. The left ventricle (the strongest chamber) pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. The left ventricle’s vigorous contractions create our blood pressure.
Part 1: Nervous and Cardiovascular Systems
Maria Bowie
Created on June 12, 2022
Learn about how the nervous system and cardiovascular system work together.
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Transcript
Overview
In today's class, we are going to explore the functions and interactions between the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Relating to the cardiovascular system, we will study:- parts of the nervous system
- nerves
- neurotransmitters
- anatomy of the heart
- blood flow
- scientific research
The Heart Is the 2nd Brain
The heart has its own nervous system. This system is called the intracardiac nervous system. Since discovering that there are neurons in the heart, many scientists and medical professionals accept the heart as a second brain.
The brain-heart connection is a mystery! Sensory communication between the heart and brain runs in both directions, but the heart sends more signals to the brain than vice versa. Scientists and medical experts have a greater understanding of the physical relationship between the brain and heart than their mental/emotional connection.
Is the Heart a Second Brain?
One of the main ways that scientists and doctors are gaining greater knowledge about the heart-brain connection is through the reported experiences of heart transplant recipients. People who have received a heart from a donor have had some fascinating experiences. Transplant recipients have reported that their emotions, taste preferences, behavior, and even memories have changed. Experts are now asking questions such as: Is the heart more than just a pump? Does it have its own intelligence? Is it possible for transplant patients to inherit behavioral, emotional, and character traits through cellular memories from the hearts of their donors?
The brain and heart need each other. Without the brain, the heart would not receive instructions on how to function. Without the heart, the brain would not receive the blood and oxygen it needs to do its job.
The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord. The brainstem is made of three parts: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata is the part of the brainstem that connects directly with the spinal cord and controls heartbeat and blood circulation.
Vagus nerves are located on the medulla oblongata of the brainstem. They are cranial nerves because they originate from the brain. These nerves control the functioning of the heart.
10
The nervous system is made up of cells called neurons, aka nerve cells. Neurons release chemical substances called neurotransmitters that stimulate voluntary and involuntary activity throughout the body.
11
Brain check. Click it.
12
THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
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peripheral / autonomic / sympathetic & parasympathetic
The cardiovascular system is regulated by both the parasympathetic system and the sympathetic system. Your environmental conditions and your responses to different stimuli determine which system is in control.
14
The parasympathetic system is called the "rest and digest" system because it is in charge during normal activities such as relaxing, eating, and sleeping.
15
Neurotransmitter - Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine (ACh) is the most common neurotransmitter in the body. The parasympathetic system releases this neurotransmitter via the vagus nerve when your heart beats at a normal rate and your body is in its resting state.
16
The sympathetic system is called the "fight or flight" system. When you encounter dangerous or stressful situations, this system kicks in. It is also active when you feel nervous or excited, like when your crush is near.
17
Neurotransmitter - Adrenaline
The sympathetic nervous system causes the release of adrenaline during a fight or flight episode, increasing the heart rate and bringing oxygen to muscles. Adrenaline is also released during times of excitement and positive stimulation.
18
19
PLAY NOW
20
The Cardiovascular System
21
The heart is the main organ in the cardiovascular system. It is a muscle that pumps blood through a network of arteries and veins. Every day it pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood and beats about 100,000 times.
22
Arteries and veins are the vessels that circulate blood throughout the body.
23
The right atrium receives blood from the veins and pumps it into the right ventricle. The right ventricle receives blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs, where it is loaded with oxygen.
24
The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the left ventricle. The left ventricle (the strongest chamber) pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. The left ventricle’s vigorous contractions create our blood pressure.
25
Click here to go to Gimkit.
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