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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2018 Feb 1.
Published in final edited form as: Clin Sci (Lond). 2017 Feb 1;131(3):211–223. doi: 10.1042/CS20160001

Figure 1. Systemic responses to blood pressure change.

Figure 1

The body responds to changes in blood pressure by activating multiple homeostatic mechanisms. In response to decreased blood pressure, baroreceptors immediately sense decreased tension and signal for increased SNS outflow and decreased PNS outflow, effectively increasing heart rate. Concurrently, endothelial cells secrete endothelin, which constricts blood vessels. Renin released from juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney activates the RAS. In response to increased blood pressure, baroreceptors detect stretching and signal increased PNS outflow and decreased SNS outflow, effectively decreasing heart rate. Endothelial cells secrete nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels. Cardiac muscle secretes natriuretic peptides in conjunction with activation of the kinin-kallikrein system to promote natriuresis and vasodilatory effects.