Bainbridge Reflex Physiology

Bainbridge Reflex

Increases heart rate in response to an increase in atrial pressure.

Increased blood volume

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Increased venous return

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Increased atrial pressure

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Stretching of low-pressure baroreceptors in the atrial wall

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Increased firing

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Afferent signal via vagus nerve

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Medullary centers

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Efferent signals in sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves

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Stimulation of SA node

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Increased heart rate

Prevents damming of blood in veins, atria, and pulmonary circulation.