Nervous System: Controlling Heart Rate and Ventilation

• Human Regulation and Reproduction
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Nervous System: Controlling Heart Rate and Ventilation

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to describe the role of sensory and motor neurons in controlling heart rate and ventilation.

What do you already know about sensory and motor neurons?

Introduction to Neurons

Neurons are specialized cells that transmit information in the nervous system. Sensory neurons carry signals from the body to the brain, while motor neurons transmit signals from the brain to the body.

Sensory Neurons and Heart Rate

Sensory neurons detect changes in blood pressure and oxygen levels, sending this information to the brain. The brain then sends signals via motor neurons to adjust heart rate to maintain homeostasis.

Motor Neurons and Ventilation

Motor neurons receive signals from the brain to control the rate and depth of breathing. This ensures that the body gets enough oxygen and expels carbon dioxide.

Integration of Neuronal Signals

The brain integrates sensory information and sends signals to the heart and respiratory muscles through motor neurons to coordinate heart rate and ventilation.

Involuntary Control

The control of heart rate and ventilation is primarily involuntary, meaning it occurs without conscious effort. This automatic regulation is essential for maintaining vital functions.

Regulation of Heart Rate

The autonomic nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions, regulates heart rate through sensory and motor neurons.

Regulation of Ventilation

The respiratory control center in the brainstem coordinates ventilation by adjusting the activity of respiratory muscles through motor neurons.

Summary and Recap

Sensory neurons monitor changes in the internal environment, while motor neurons transmit signals to control heart rate and ventilation. This ensures the body maintains a steady state of internal conditions.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.