Autonomic reflexes: The alternate cardiac response to sensory stimulation and environmental stress

Abstract

Regulation of physiological activities in animals is crucial for the preservation of equilibrium. Such activities include the change of circulatory parameters in response to different behavioural and physiological requirements. The sympathetic prevailing situation, with high heart rate (HR) and low digestive movements, is termed the “fight or flight” stage. This stage describes the behaviour of animals that fight against or flee from an enemy or danger. The parasympathetic overriding situation, with a high level of digestive movements and a low HR is termed the “rest and digest” stage (Cannon 1929, Cannon 1932).