Innervation of the heart

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The heart receives intrinsic and extrinsic innervation, which allows it to continue to beat independently, even if its nerve supply is disrupted. The intrinsic conducting system initiates and controls the contractions of the heart. The contractions are regulated by an extrinsic regulatory system which consists of autonomic nerve fibers that originate from a network of nerves also known as the cardiac plexus.

The cardiac plexus is formed of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers as well as visceral afferent fibers conveying reflexive and nociceptive fibers from the heart. It is located on the anterior surface of the trachea and along the posterior surface of the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk. The sympathetic innervation to the heart comes from the sympathetic trunk, while the parasympathetic innervation originates from the vagus nerve (CN X). The cardiac plexus is responsible for influencing heart rate, cardiac output, and contraction force of the heart.

This video tutorial will provide you with an overview of the innervation of the heart muscle.

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Summary