Question

Please help... Why does the heart have a nerve supply, since it continues to beat even without one?

Answer 1

The sinus node in the heart is the primary pacemaker with a frequency of 60-80 beats per minute. Thus it beats autonomically. The nervous systems alter the frequency: the sympathic nervous system increases it via adrenalin and noradrenalin, the parasympathic system decreases the frequency using acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter. Besides the frequency, the contractility is also affected by them.