Regulation of the cardiovascular
and respiratory systems
Joshua Moloney-Griffiths
BTEC Applied Science Unit 9 Learning aim A
1/04/22
,Regulation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
Introduction
In this report I will discuss the importance of the nervous systems effective
functioning to sustain good health of both the cardiovascular and respiratory
systems. Firstly, I will explain the organisation of the nervous system and how
cardiovascular and respiratory systems maintain normal function, to include:
- Components of the nervous systems
- Neurons and glial cells
- Nerve impulses and transmission of neural responses
- Gas exchange and ventilation (respiratory system control)
- Cardiovascular system control
Lastly, I will assess and explain two neurological diseases of the nervous system
and its impact on the nerves and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
The Nervous System
[1]
The nervous system:
1
,Regulation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
The nervous system is a large network of the brain, spinal cord and specialised
nerve cells called neurons which transmit electrical signals upon each other to
interpret and process complex environmental and internal stimuli to create
coordinated responses from effectors around the body to interact with the
environment. [2]
Lentz, T. L. and Erulkar, S.D. (2020) nervous system. [online] Available from: https://www.britannica.com/science/nervous-
system (Accessed 20 February 2022).
It creates both involuntary (unconscious) and voluntary (conscious) responses and it
can be separated into different sub-divisions that all, for example, regulate body
temperature or skeletal muscle contraction for bone movement. [3]
Lumen learning. (no date) Introduction to the Nervous system. [online] Available from:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/introduction-to-the-nervous-system/ (Accessed 20 February 2022).
The central nervous system and peripheral nervous system:
(Figure 1. The central and peripheral nervous systems. )
The central nervous system is comprised of two organs, the brain which is encased
in the skull and the spinal cord stemming off of the brain located inside the vertebral
canal in the dorsal body cavity. The brain and spinal cord the primary control centres
of the body and the central nervous system is where sensory information is received
to be integrated and coordinate a specific motor response upon influenced neurons.
It is essential to the peripheral nervous system in processing sensory input to decide
an organism’s behaviour for survival, such as breathing, heart rate or moving limbs.
[4]
CNS Components:
Brain
Spinal cord
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, Regulation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
Neurons
The peripheral nervous system are nerve pathways that branch off of the central
nervous system to sense organs in all regions around the body, such as eyes or
blood vessels, muscles or glands. It has a function of relaying information to the
CNS includes sensory neurons which transmit electrochemical impulses to the
primary integrative control centre, the CNS, where motor neurons transmit
impulses to effectors. [4]
PNS Components:
Sensory cells
Motor nerve cells
Somatic nerve system
Autonomic nerve system
The somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system:
SNS Components:
Afferent (sensory) system
Efferent (motor) system
ANS Components:
Parasympathetic division
Sympathetic division
Neurones and glial cells:
A neurone also known as a nerve cell is the fundamental cellular unit of the nervous
system. They utilise electrical impulses to communicate and transmit information to
and from the brain and other nervous system sections.
Sensory neurone:
(Figure 2. A sensory neuron structure. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_5pxQb-Qd3mqdefault.jpg)
A sensory neurone is a type of nerve cell that responds to external stimuli such as
physical; heat, touch or chemical; taste, smell. These impulses send signals to the
3
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