Which nervous system component is responsible for increasing heart rate during physical activity?

Which nervous system component is responsible for increasing heart rate during physical activity?

• A. Sympathetic nervous system
• B. Parasympathetic nervous system
• C. Central nervous system
• D. Peripheral nervous system

Answer: (A)

During physical activity, your body needs more blood to supply muscles, so the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system activates to raise the heart rate and the force of its contractions. This sympathetic drive speeds up the clock of the heart, increasing cardiac output to deliver more oxygen and nutrients where they’re needed. The parasympathetic system does the opposite, slowing the heart down, especially during rest or recovery. The central nervous system initiates the overall response, while the peripheral nervous system includes the nerves that carry these signals, but the specific agent that increases heart rate during exercise is the sympathetic output to the heart.

During physical activity, your body needs more blood to supply muscles, so the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system activates to raise the heart rate and the force of its contractions. This sympathetic drive speeds up the clock of the heart, increasing cardiac output to deliver more oxygen and nutrients where they’re needed. The parasympathetic system does the opposite, slowing the heart down, especially during rest or recovery. The central nervous system initiates the overall response, while the peripheral nervous system includes the nerves that carry these signals, but the specific agent that increases heart rate during exercise is the sympathetic output to the heart.