Discussion – Integration of the Nervous System with Cardiovascular and Respiratory Functions

Discussion – Integration of the Nervous System with Cardiovascular and Respiratory Functions

In BIOS 251, we extensively explored the nervous system’s anatomy and physiology, including the brain’s and cranial nerves’ pivotal roles. As we delve into BIOS 255, understanding the interconnected nature of bodily systems becomes crucial. This discussion highlights the fundamental connections between the nervous system and cardiovascular and respiratory systems, illustrating the essential coordination necessary for maintaining homeostasis.

Nervous System and Cardiovascular Function

Autonomic Control

One of the primary elements of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that regulates the heart rate as well as BP includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. This can be illustrated by the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) that controls the parasympathetic slowing of the heart rate (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

Stress Response

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal causes the production of stress hormones such as cortisol, which affects blood pressure and cardiac output, thus showing the systemic effect of stress on the cardiovascular system.

Nervous System and Respiratory Function

Breathing Regulation

Cranial nerve reflexes consist of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) and glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX), which are involved in the regulation of breathing reflexes. These nerves assist in detecting respiratory parameters and regulating breaths per minute and the depth of each breath through respiratory centers in the medullary oblongata.

Protective Reflexes

The nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of cough and sneeze reflexes, while cough and sneeze reflexes can be considered protective mechanisms of the respiratory system as they help to avoid inhalation of irritating particles and facilitate the production of sputum, respectively (Brinkman et al., 2023).

Conclusion

The integration of the nervous system with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems underscores the complexity and interdependence of bodily functions. Examining these connections gives one a deeper appreciation for the body’s synchronized responses that preserve health and react to environmental changes.

References

Brinkman, J. E., Sharma, S., & Toro, F. (2023, June 5). Physiology, respiratory drive. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482414/

Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Autonomic nervous system: What it is, function & disorders. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23273-autonomic-nervous-system

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Initial Post Instructions
You’ve learned the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, immune, lymphatic, and respiratory systems. As much as we like to partition the body into discrete units, it is often the case that systems are interdependent and their function is intimately tied to other organ systems.

Discussion – Integration of the Nervous System with Cardiovascular and Respiratory Functions

For the Week 8 discussion of 255, I would like you to think back on the previous sessions and choose one organ or organ system covered in BIOS251 and BIOS252 (Chemical and cellular organization, tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, joints, muscular system, nervous system, special senses and endocrine system).

After that, discuss how that organ/organ system is connected to the material we have covered in BIOS 255.

For example, we talked about the importance of intrinsic factor to making red blood cells in Week 1. You could discuss the connection between dietary absorption of intrinsic factor, vitamin B12, and the maintenance of a healthy hematocrit.

BIO 251 NERVOUS SYSTEM BRAIN CRANIAL NERVE

BIO 255 WILL BE THE RECENT BIOLOGY ASSIGNMENTS I HAVE BEEN SENDING FOR IT TO BE DONE