1. The document discusses short-term control mechanisms that regulate the cardiac cycle and heart rate, including autonomic nerve impulses that alter the activities of the S-A and A-V nodes. 2. Several factors contribute to heart rate regulation, including the autonomic nervous system, chemicals, hormones, ions, age, gender, fitness, and body temperature. 3. The sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate and contractility through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, while the parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate through the release of acetylcholine.