Introduction

Since the earliest days of medicine, heart rate has been recognized as a vital sign (an indicator of health, disease, excitement, and stress). Medical personnel use heart rate to provide clues as to the presence of many medical conditions. Reflex changes in heart rate are one of the body’s most basic mechanisms for maintaining proper perfusion to the brain and other tissues. Low blood volume caused by bleeding or dehydration results in the heart beating faster as it attempts to maintain adequate blood pressure. Excitement, stress, and anxiety activate the autonomic nervous system, which may also speed the heart rate and raise blood pressure.

In this experiment, you will observe how the heart responds to cold stimulus applied peripherally. In this case, cold will act as a noxious stimulus, activating the “fight or flight” response through the sympathetic nervous system.

Objectives