The electrophysiology of heart refers to the study of the electrical properties and patterns of the heart’s cells and tissues that underlie its rhythmic beating and coordination. The heart’s electrical system is responsible for initiating and regulating the cardiac cycle, ensuring that the heart contracts and relaxes in a synchronized manner.
Cutaneous blood flow refers to the circulation of blood through the skin, which is an essential physiological process that contributes to the regulation of body temperature, maintenance of homeostasis, and overall health. The skin serves as a vital interface between the internal and external environments, and its blood flow dynamics play a crucial role in various bodily functions.
Coronary blood flow is the circulation of blood within the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle (myocardium) with oxygen, nutrients, and other essential substances necessary for its proper functioning. The coronary circulation is crucial for maintaining the viability and performance of the heart, as it ensures the delivery of oxygen and nutrients while removing metabolic waste products.
Cerebral blood flow (CBF) refers to the blood supply to the brain in a given period. It is crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing waste products. CBF is regulated by mechanisms such as autoregulation, which maintains consistent flow despite changes in blood pressure. Disruptions in CBF can lead to conditions like stroke and are influenced by factors such as blood viscosity, vessel diameter, and neuronal activity.
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure (the higher number, representing the pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (the lower number, representing the pressure when the heart is at rest). Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg.
Baroreceptors are specialized sensory receptors located in the walls of certain blood vessels, particularly within the carotid sinuses and aortic arch. They play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by sensing changes in arterial pressure and sending signals to the brain, specifically the medulla oblongata.
Hemodynamics is the study of blood flow within the circulatory system. It involves the analysis of the physical principles governing blood movement, including pressure, flow, and resistance. Blood flow is driven by the heart’s pumping action and regulated by the resistance of blood vessels, which is influenced by vessel diameter, blood viscosity, and overall vessel length.
Blood flow velocity refers to the speed at which blood travels through the blood vessels. It is a critical factor in ensuring that tissues receive adequate oxygen and nutrients while waste products are efficiently removed. Blood flow velocity is influenced by the cross-sectional area of the blood vessels and the volume of blood being pumped by the heart (cardiac output).
When we talk about autoregulation, it's not the blood pressure we are talking about but it's rather the blood flow over a changing pressure which is being regulated. In terms of hemodynamics, the flow across a blood vessel is determined by the pressure gradient across...
The autonomic control of nodal action potentials refers to the regulation of the electrical activity in the specialized cardiac cells known as nodal cells, particularly in the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node, by the autonomic nervous system. This intricate control mechanism, facilitated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, plays a critical role in modulating heart rate and cardiac function.
