Bainbridge reflex

Bainbridge Reflex

The Bainbridge reflex (pronounced: /ˈbeɪnbrɪdʒ ˈriːfleks/) is a physiological process within the human body. It is also known as the atrial reflex or the Bainbridge atrial reflex.

Etymology

The term is named after the British physiologist Francis Arthur Bainbridge (1874–1921), who first described the reflex in 1915.

Definition

The Bainbridge reflex is an increase in heart rate due to an increase in central venous pressure. Increased blood volume is detected by stretch receptors (also known as Baroreceptors) located in both atria at the venoatrial junctions.

Mechanism

When the volume of blood returned to the heart increases, the increased stretching of the atrial walls leads to increased heart rate via the Bainbridge reflex. The reflex mechanism involves increased firing rate of the Baroreceptors in the atria, followed by increased firing rate of the cardiac center in the medulla oblongata, and increased sympathetic stimulation of the heart.

Related Terms

• Baroreceptors
• Cardiac centers
• Medulla oblongata
• Sympathetic nervous system

See Also

• Baroreflex
• Heart rate
• Venous return

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Bainbridge reflex
• Wikipedia's article - Bainbridge reflex

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