What are the main factors that regulate and have an effect on mean arterial pressure(MAP)?

I would guess thickness of artery...due to vasomotion and/ or plaque buildup. "thickness" of the blood, how well hydrated the person is. Contractility of the heart maybe. Not the best answer but hope this helps in some small way

From what I remember neural reflex systems regulate in the short term via negative feedback loops. So all of that crap involving afferent neural pathways (send electrical signal from detector to CNS?), efferent neural pathways (relay message from coordinating center to periphery) and effectors etc etc.

Also there are these "sensors" called baroreceptors that detect distention of vascular walls. They send the "signal"/action potentials or whatever you want to call it to the brain (I think in the medulla and possibly the hypothalamus; i might be wrong) and the ANS changes cardiac oput and resistance according to the initial change.

Chemoreceptors will recognize changes in the blood pH, CO2 levels etc...

There's a lot more to it!

Post Merge: 11 years ago

Also, I found this diagram in an old A&P textbook! Hope it helps give you a visual