Final answer:
Long-term blood pressure regulation involves the renal system and hormones adjusting blood volume and vascular resistance. Neural mechanisms and hormones like ADH and RAAS components are essential in this process. Exercise plays a role in both acute and long-term blood pressure management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The long-term regulation of blood pressure primarily involves the renal system and various hormones that affect blood volume and vascular resistance. Neural mechanisms contribute to the regulation through the cardiovascular centers in the brain that respond to input from baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, adjusting heart rate and blood vessel diameter accordingly. Hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, ADH, and the components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) play critical roles. The RAAS adjusts not only blood volume but also arterial resistance through vasoconstriction. Increased blood volume and vasoconstriction both elevate blood pressure over the long term. Additionally, hormones like ANH and EPO regulate blood volume and pressure. Conditions like hypertension, hemorrhage, and circulatory shock influence vascular health and can necessitate adjustments by these regulatory mechanisms to maintain vascular homeostasis. Exercise has a significant effect on vascular homeostasis, improving cardiovascular function and reducing the risk of heart disease. It leads to temporary increases in cardiac output through enhanced heart rate and stroke volume, and the associated vasodilation ensures sufficient oxygen delivery to the muscles. Furthermore, exercise can have beneficial long-term effects on blood pressure management.