Is anyone familiar with an article in which heart is described as an organ on crossroads of sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation? It is probably a sentence from the introduction of the article. And the article has been published most probably recently. I lost that article and cannot find it nether in my folders or on web.
What you speaking of used to be described as autonomic balance. HeartMath Science is based on heart rate variability with a special focus on heart rhythm for optimal zone of functioning. See attached article.
Dear prof. Edwards, thank you very much for your article you sent me.
I have just read it. But there was no such or similar definition in it as in my question. Anyway, I appreciate your suggestions. Kind regards, Zoran
Might your memory have played tricks on you and do you actually remember the website "crossroads" https://www.crossroadspsychiatric.com/PatientPortal/print.aspx?UAID=%7BDF2333FA-899B-4D06-ADFA-D1EF0658599C%7D&ID=HW5te7147abc
What about the concept of Autonomic conflict ? Article 'Autonomic conflict': A different way to die during cold wat...
Not quite 'crossroads' but antagonistic control has been coined here Article 1/f Scaling in Heart Rate Requires Antagonistic Autonomic Control
Dear prof. John M Karemaker,
You have made an interesting premise with this site. However, I'm convinced that it was a pdf article with mentioned sentence about heart as a organ on crossroads (or crossing) of symp & parasymp nerves. Because I've been reading articles on the "heart-brain axis" lately. The problem is that there are many papers appearing on this topic. Thank you very much for your good will and idea. I'm hoping that maybe I'll come across that article again spontaneously, or maybe someone will recognize that sentence and let me know. My intention was to quote it in the article I am currently preparing. Best regards to you!
Zoran
The heart is a vital organ located at the intersection of the sympathetic and parasympathetic neural systems, essential parts of the autonomic nervous system. The heart's ability to sustain and control its operations effectively is facilitated by its dual innervation. Sympathetic Innervation: The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) readies the body for "fight or flight" reactions. The heart is stimulated by sympathetic nerves originating from the thoracic spinal cord segments (T1-T4/T5). The nerves emit norepinephrine neurotransmitters that attach to beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart's cells. Stimulation leads to an elevation in heart rate (chronotropic), an increase in the strength of cardiac contractions (inotropy), and improved electrical conductivity inside the heart. Parasympathetic Innervation: The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) promotes physiological responses associated with relaxation and digestion. The vagus nerve, or cranial nerve X, primarily provides nerve fibers to the heart and releases the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine specifically attaches to muscarinic M2 receptors located in the heart's cells. This leads to a drop in heart rate, a decrease in the strength of the heart's contractions, and a slower transmission of electrical signals, which is a counterweight to the effects of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The equilibrium and interconnection: The dynamic relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems contributes to the heart's ability to maintain a stable internal environment. Under normal physiological circumstances, this equilibrium guarantees that the heart reacts suitably to fluctuating internal and external stimuli. During periods of stress, the sympathetic nervous system becomes more active, increasing heart rate and the strength of cardiac contractions. This physiological response is aimed at preparing the body for immediate action. In contrast, under peaceful circumstances, the parasympathetic nervous system dominates, facilitating a state of rest and preserving energy. Essentially, the heart is innervated by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic neural systems, making it a pivotal organ at the intersection of both autonomic routes. This system can actively control its operations by having two inputs, ensuring a stable physiological state and adapting to the body's changing requirements.
Dear Dr Antonio da Silva Menezes Junior, it seems that this could be the answer to my question. Can you please provide me the reference for this text? Thank you very much. Warm regards, Zoran
Hall, J. E., & Guyton, A. C. (2016). Autonomic nervous system: sympathetic and parasympathetic functional considerations. In Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (13th ed., pp. 179-180). Elsevier.