Medical Dictionary
Main Entry:
Bain·bridge reflex Pronunciation:
'bAn-(")brij- Function:
noun : a homeostatic reflex mechanism that causes acceleration of heartbeatfollowing the stimulation of local muscle spindles when blood pressure in the venae cavae and right atrium is increased
Bainbridge, Francis Arthur (1874–1921) Britishphysiologist. 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.
