What distinguishes the Frank-Starling mechanism from the Bainbridge reflex in regulating cardiac output?

💡 Explanation

The Frank-Starling mechanism relies on the heart's ability to increase its force of contraction when venous return stretches the ventricular muscle, therefore increasing stroke volume. This differs from the Bainbridge reflex, which increases heart rate due to increased atrial stretch via the vagus nerve, rather than ventricular properties directly affecting contractility, because the Frank-Starling mechanism focuses on intrinsic properties.

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