Vasomotor center

Vasomotor center is a portion of the medulla oblongata that is responsible for the regulation of blood pressure. The vasomotor center controls the contraction and dilation of blood vessels, which in turn affects blood pressure.

Etymology

The term "vasomotor" is derived from "vaso-", a prefix meaning "vessel", and "motor", which refers to movement or control. Thus, "vasomotor" refers to the control of blood vessel diameter.

Function

The vasomotor center is responsible for the regulation of blood pressure by controlling the contraction and dilation of blood vessels. It does this by sending signals to the smooth muscle in the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to contract or relax. The vasomotor center also regulates heart rate and respiration.

Structure

The vasomotor center is located in the medulla oblongata, a part of the brainstem. It is divided into three areas: the vasoconstrictor area, the vasodilator area, and the sensory area. The vasoconstrictor area sends signals to the blood vessels to contract, while the vasodilator area sends signals to the blood vessels to relax. The sensory area receives information about blood pressure from baroreceptors in the blood vessels.

Related Terms

• Medulla oblongata
• Blood pressure
• Blood vessels
• Smooth muscle
• Heart rate
• Respiration
• Baroreceptors

See also

• Cardiovascular system
• Autonomic nervous system
• Neurophysiology