Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Exercise and Cardiovascular Response01:20

Exercise and Cardiovascular Response

6.5K
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
6.5K
Sympathetic Activation01:16

Sympathetic Activation

8.5K
The sympathetic division can influence tissues and organs by releasing norepinephrine at peripheral synapses and distributing epinephrine and norepinephrine through the bloodstream. In times of crisis or stress, sympathetic activation occurs, which is regulated by sympathetic centers in the hypothalamus. As a result, sympathetic activation prepares the body for physical exertion, rapid ATP production, and heightened alertness, allowing individuals to respond effectively to challenging or...
8.5K
The Sympathetic Nervous System01:25

The Sympathetic Nervous System

106.6K
Overview
106.6K
Autonomic Nervous System01:22

Autonomic Nervous System

16.5K
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a critical component of the peripheral nervous system, primarily responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. It functions in tandem with the central nervous system (CNS) to seamlessly coordinate various physiological processes without the need for conscious control.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions function antagonistically to maintain a dynamic...
16.5K
Sympathetic Division of the ANS01:19

Sympathetic Division of the ANS

4.6K
The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in preparing the body for stress, physical activity, and increased energy demands. This division activates the "fight-or-flight" response, enabling individuals to respond effectively to challenging situations.
Originating in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord segments, the preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic division exit the spinal cord through the white ramus communicans. They then enter the...
4.6K
Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration01:22

Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration

3.0K
The neurogenic control of respiration coordinates various neural networks and pathways to regulate breathing rate and depth, meeting the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange requirements. This system adapts to physiological and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal breathing patterns.
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
3.0K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Does Behavioral Style Influence Learning Strategy in Health Professions Students?

Journal of allied health·2015
Same author

National medical ambulatory care survey: backgroundand methodology United States-1967.

Vital and health statistics. Series 2, Data evaluation and methods research·2014
Same author

The absorption of thiourea from ointments applied to wounds.

The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics·2010
Same author

The relevance of central command for the neural cardiovascular control of exercise.

Experimental physiology·2010
Same author

New insights into central cardiovascular control during exercise in humans: a central command update.

Experimental physiology·2005
Same author

Changes in regional cerebral blood flow distribution during postexercise hypotension in humans.

Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)·2003
Same journal

Urodynamics and what they reveal about autonomic innervation of the lower urinary tract: A narrative review.

Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical·2026
Same journal

Pelvic venous disorders and orthostatic intolerance: A systematic review of diagnostic associations and treatment outcomes.

Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical·2026
Same journal

Application of heart rate variability in clinical practice and research: A systematic review of recent years.

Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical·2026
Same journal

Spinal afferent endings in the gastrointestinal tract.

Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical·2026
Same journal

Gastric myoelectrical activity and autonomic dysfunction in children with IBD and IBS: An electrogastrographic and autonomic correlation study.

Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical·2026
Same journal

Acute isometric handgrip exercise enhances cardiac baroreflex sensitivity and lowers systolic blood pressure in chronic kidney disease.

Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise
09:33

Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise

Published on: December 19, 2024

1.8K

Autonomic responses to exercise: where is central command?

J W Williamson1

  • 1Department of Health Care Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, United States.

Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic & Clinical
|December 3, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Identifying the brain region for central command during exercise remains challenging due to complex neural systems. Further research is needed to pinpoint the exact location responsible for initiating autonomic and skeletal muscle responses.

Keywords:
Central commandExercise

More Related Videos

Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
07:26

Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans

Published on: October 17, 2018

21.8K
Force and Position Control in Humans - The Role of Augmented Feedback
06:31

Force and Position Control in Humans - The Role of Augmented Feedback

Published on: June 19, 2016

8.3K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise
09:33

Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise

Published on: December 19, 2024

1.8K
Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
07:26

Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans

Published on: October 17, 2018

21.8K
Force and Position Control in Humans - The Role of Augmented Feedback
06:31

Force and Position Control in Humans - The Role of Augmented Feedback

Published on: June 19, 2016

8.3K

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Autonomic Nervous System Research

Background:

  • Central command theory posits a brain signal initiates exercise responses.
  • Neural pathways for autonomic control are known, but the origin of central command is unclear.
  • Complexities like neural redundancy and feedback loops hinder localization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the elusive higher brain region responsible for central command.
  • To address challenges in identifying central command's neuroanatomical source.
  • To clarify the brain's role in initiating coordinated exercise responses.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing neuroanatomical and physiological studies on central command.
  • Analysis of neural circuitry involved in autonomic and motor control during exercise.
  • Discussion of experimental limitations and complexities in human neural connectivity.

Main Results:

  • Existing research has not definitively identified the specific brain region for central command.
  • Complexities in neural regulation and connectivity present significant challenges.
  • The precise neuroanatomical location remains an open question in exercise neuroscience.

Conclusions:

  • The exact location of central command in the brain is yet to be determined.
  • Further targeted research is required to overcome existing neuroanatomical and physiological hurdles.
  • Understanding central command is crucial for comprehending the brain's control of exercise.