Basics VMC Factors Affecting VC/VD

• Mechanisms affecting Total Peripheral Resistance via Vasomotor Centre activity include:

  • baroreceptors - fast acting mechanoreceptors (free nerve endings that detect stretch) situated in the carotid sinus and aortic arch - inhibit the vasomotor centre
  • chemoreceptors - detect changes in o2/co2 and are situated near baroreceptors - excite the vasomotor centre
  • higher brain centres
• • high blood pressure activates baroreceptors to normalise blood pressure via vasodilation, decrease heart rate and decrease inotropy
  • low blood pressure activates chemoreceptors to normalise blood pressure via vasoconstriction and increase heart rate and increase inotropy