Chapter 21, Problem 10CP

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The affect on heart rate by the application of slight pressure on the common carotid artery and its affect.

Introduction:

The application of slight pressure on the carotid artery will be sensed by the baroreceptor reflex in carotid arteries of the heart. This decreases the blood pressure, which is sensed by the reflex by the receptors in heart, which regulate the expansion and contraction of the muscles leading to an increase in the heart rate. The sympathetic activity is stimulated and the parasympathetic activity is inhibited.