The medulla, or the midbrain, controls heart rate.
The medulla, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in regulating many essential bodily functions. According to the reference, these include:
- Heartbeat: The medulla is responsible for maintaining the rhythmic contractions of the heart.
- Breathing: It controls the muscles involved in respiration, ensuring we inhale and exhale.
- Hand-eye coordination: It aids in the coordination of movements between the hands and eyes.
- Depth perception: The medulla contributes to our ability to perceive the distance of objects.
How the Medulla Controls Heart Rate
The medulla oblongata, which is part of the brainstem, has specific centers that control the heart. These are:
- Cardioacceleratory Center: This center increases heart rate. It sends signals through the sympathetic nervous system.
- Cardioinhibitory Center: This center slows down heart rate. It sends signals through the parasympathetic nervous system.
These two centers work together to maintain a balanced heart rate according to the body's needs.
| Brain Region | Function |
|---|---|
| Medulla | Controls heart rate, breathing, hand-eye coordination, and depth perception |
