Considering the negative feedback system for the control of blood pressure, when a blood pres-sure rise is noted in the arterial receptors, what is the expected response?

a. Arterial vasoconstriction
b. Decreased inotropic state
c. Increased heart rate
d. Venoconstriction

ANS: B
In the case of the arterial receptors, a rise in blood pressure increases aortic and carotid receptor stretch, and thus the discharge rate. The increased discharge rate causes an opposite response by the medullary centers (i.e., a depressor response). Venomotor tone decreases, blood vessels dilate, and heart rate and contractility both decrease.