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Reflex control of total cardiac output and total peripheral resistance is controlled by what mechanism?

a) Sympathetic nervous system
b) Parasympathetic nervous system
c) Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
d) Baroreceptor reflex

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The sympathetic nervous system and the baroreceptor reflex are responsible for the reflex control of total cardiac output and total peripheral resistance. The sympathetic nervous system's influence on blood vessel muscle contraction, mediated by adrenergic receptors, and the baroreceptors' role in blood pressure regulation, are crucial in this process.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reflex control of total cardiac output and total peripheral resistance is primarily managed by the sympathetic nervous system and the baroreceptor reflex.

The sympathetic nervous system regulates blood pressure by controlling the contraction of smooth muscles in blood vessel walls, as these muscles have adrenergic receptors that respond to norepinephrine by causing vasoconstriction.

The baroreceptors, located in the aorta and carotid arteries, constantly monitor the blood pressure and relay information to the cardiovascular center in the medulla oblongata, which adjusts the sympathetic and parasympathetic output accordingly to maintain homeostasis.

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