Bainbridge Reflex
Increases heart rate in response to an increase in atrial pressure.
Bainbridge Reflex Pathway
Increased blood volume
↓
Increased venous return
↓
Increased atrial pressure
↓
Stretching of low-pressure baroreceptors in the atrial wall
↓
Increased firing
↓
Afferent signal via vagus nerve
↓
Medullary centers
↓
Efferent signals in sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves
↓
Stimulation of SA node
↓
Increased heart rate
Importance
Prevents damming of blood in veins, atria, and pulmonary circulation.