Which intrinsic factor influences fetal heart rate?

The intrinsic factor that influences fetal heart rate is the body's own mechanisms for regulating heart function, known as intrinsic heart rate regulation. This system consists of specialized cardiac tissue within the fetal heart that controls heart rate independently of external influences. The fetal heart develops its own pacemaker function, which is crucial for maintaining a stable heart rhythm as the fetus grows and develops.

While other factors like maternal activity, external sounds, and placental insufficiency can affect fetal heart rate, they are more related to extrinsic influences or conditions outside the fetal heart itself. Understanding intrinsic heart rate regulation emphasizes the importance of the fetal heart's ability to autonomously maintain its rhythm, showcasing how the fetus is prepared to adapt to various conditions even before birth.