Neural control of the circulation

Abstract

The purpose of this brief review is to highlight key concepts about the neural control of the circulation that graduate and medical students should be expected to incorporate into their general knowledge of human physiology. The focus is largely on the sympathetic nerves, which have a dominant role in cardiovascular control due to their effects to increase cardiac rate and contractility, cause constriction of arteries and veins, cause release of adrenal catecholamines, and activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. These effects, as well as the control of sympathetic outflow by the vasomotor center in the medulla and the importance of sensory feedback in the form of peripheral reflexes, especially the baroreflexes, are discussed in the context of cardiovascular regulation.