Human Physiology Lecture Module 2: Autonomic Neurocardiology and Vagal Tone. Focus: Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Cardiac Control, Heart Rate Variability, and Systemic Inflammation

Key Points

• This module aims to explain the roles of the autonomic nervous system in cardiac function and inflammation.
• Descriptive analysis of autonomic neurocardiology focusing on cardiac control mechanisms.
• Examination of heart rate variability as a measure of autonomic tone.
• Discussion on the impact of systemic inflammation on heart function.
• Increased vagal tone is associated with improved heart rate variability.
• Sympathetic overactivity correlates with heightened systemic inflammation.
• Heart rate variability serves as a key indicator of autonomic balance and health.