Question

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the neural regulation of cardiac activity?

• A. The cardiac centre lies in the medulla oblongata of the brain
• B. Parasympathetic nerve fibres accelerate the rate of heart beat and
• C. Sympathetic nerve fibres retard the rate of the heart beat
• D. All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A The cardiac centre lies in the medulla oblongata of the brain

The neural regulation of the cardiac activity is done by a neural centre which is present in the medulla oblangata. The sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems, which are a part of the autonomic nervous system, play an important role in this regulation. The sympathetic nervous system is instrumental in increasing the rate of heart beat and the strength of ventricular contraction. These, in turn, help to increase cardiac output. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system plays an important role in regulation of the cardiac activity by decreasing the speed of conduction of the nerve impulses and the rate of heart beat. These, in turn, help in the reduction of cardiac output.