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Extra Credit (3 Points): When a patient experiences a heart…

Extra Credit (3 Points): When a patient experiences a heart arrhythmia, such as fibrillation or tachycardia, a physician may perform carotid sinus massage.  This technique puts pressure on the common carotid artery at the point where it divides into the internal and external carotid arteries and mimics higher pressure from the blood inside.  This technique can slow the heart rate and return it to a normal rhythm.  Thinking about what you have learned about the anatomical structures involved in short-term blood pressure regulation, select each answer below that supports how and why this technique works.