Medical Dictionary

Bainbridge reflex

noun Bain·bridge reflex \ˈbān-(ˌ)brij-\

Medical Definition of BAINBRIDGE REFLEX

:  a homeostatic reflex mechanism that causes acceleration of heartbeat following the stimulation of local muscle spindles when blood pressure in the venae cavae and right atrium is increased

Biographical Note for BAINBRIDGE REFLEX

Bainbridge, Francis Arthur (1874–1921), British physiologist. In 1914 in an article on cardiac reflexes Bainbridge described a reflex action that is produced by inhibition of tone of the vagus nerve and excitation of the cardiac accelerator nerves. The reflex has since been known by his name.

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