Homeostasis - Blood Pressure Regulation

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing external conditions.

Front

What is blood pressure?

Back

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Front

What are baroreceptors?

Back

Baroreceptors are specialized nerve endings located in blood vessels that detect changes in blood pressure.

Front

What happens to baroreceptors when blood pressure increases?

Back

They stretch more tightly.

Front

What is the role of the cardiovascular center in the brain?

Back

The cardiovascular center regulates heart rate and blood vessel diameter to maintain blood pressure.

Front

What is vasodilation?

Back

Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.

Front

What is vasoconstriction?

Back

Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Front

What happens to heart rate when blood pressure is low?

Back

It increases.

Front

What is the role of neurons in the cardiovascular center regarding blood vessels?

Back

To control vasodilation.

Front

Which type of muscle fibers are involved in vasodilation?

Back

Smooth muscle fibers.