Blood pressure regulation
Arterial pressure reflects interactions among cardiac output, vascular resistance, circulating volume and short- and long-term regulatory mechanisms.
Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗Blood pressure regulation — learning map
Original conceptual SVG · scalableOriginal schematic relationship map for this topic; relationships are organized for study, not intended as an anatomical depiction or a diagnostic algorithm.
Determinants
Mean arterial pressure is approximately related to cardiac output times systemic vascular resistance, with further dependence on central venous pressure and vascular properties.
Baroreceptor reflex
Stretch receptors in the carotid sinus and aortic arch send signals to brainstem centers that adjust heart rate, contractility and vascular tone.
Renal contribution
Kidneys regulate sodium and water balance; the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system participates in volume and vascular control.
Endothelial and local factors
Nitric oxide, autonomic inputs and tissue metabolites alter vascular tone to match regional perfusion needs.
Reference and next reading
Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.