Hering-Breuer reflex /her″ing broi″ər/ [Heinrich E. Hering, German physiologist, 1866–1948; Joseph Breuer, Austrian physician, 1842–1925] , a neural mechanism that terminates inspiration and initiates expiration. The reflex is triggered by impulses that originate in stretch receptors of the bronchi and bronchioles in response to distension of the airway, increased intratracheal pressure, or pulmonary inflation. The impulses travel via afferent fibers of the vagus nerves to the medullary respiratory center. The Hering-Breuer reflex is well developed at birth and is hyperactive in conditions of restrictive ventilatory insufficiency.
