Lab Exam Three: Reflex Physiology

Question 1

Relexes:

Answer 1

fast reactions of glands or muscles stimulation

Question 2

What are the general properties of a reflex?

Answer 2

1. stimulation requirement
2. quick
3. involuntary
4. stereotyped

Question 3

Inborn (intrinsic) reflex:

Answer 3

rapid, predictable motor response to a stimulus

Question 4

An inborn reflex is […] as it is built into our […] anatomy which is regulated by the […] and spinal cord.

Answer 4

unlearned; neural; brain stem

Question 5

Learned (acquired) reflex:

Answer 5

results from practice or repetition

Question 6

What is an example of a learned reflex?

Answer 6

driving a car

Question 7

T/F: You cannot modify inborn reflexes.

Answer 7

false

both types of reflexes can be modified by conscious effort

Question 8

What is the process of a stimulus?

Answer 8

receptor –> sensory neuron –> integration center –> motor neuron –> effector

Question 9

What are the two functional classifications?

Answer 9

1. somatic reflexes

2. autonomic reflexes

Question 10

Somatic reflexes:

Answer 10

if they activate skeletal muscle

Question 11

Autonomic reflexes:

Answer 11

if they activate visceral effectors

Question 12

List visceral effectors:

Answer 12

smooth, cardiac muscle, glands

Question 13

What can spinal reflexes be classified as?

Answer 13

somatic reflexes

Question 14

The most commonly assessed reflexes are…

Answer 14

1. stretch reflex
2. flexor reflex
3. superficial reflexes

Question 15

When does spinal shock occur? What is its effect?

Answer 15

when the spinal cord is transected

immediately depresses all functions controlled by the cord

Question 16

Muscle spindles:

Answer 16

stretch receptors embedded in the muscles

Question 17

Muscle spindles can also be referred as…

Answer 17

proprioceptors

Question 18

What is the function of muscle spindles?

Answer 18

inform the brain of muscle length and body movements

Question 19

Muscle spindles– The brain sends […] back to the muscles that control […], posture, […], and corrective reflexes.

Answer 19

motor command; muscle tone; coordinated movement

Question 20

When a muscle is suddenly stretched what occurs?

Answer 20

contraction occurs, increase of tone, and feels

Question 21

What is the purpose of the stretch reflex?

Answer 21

helps to maintain equilibrium and posture

Question 22

Tendon organs are […] located in a tendon near its junction with a […].

Answer 22

proprioceptors; muscle

Question 23

Tendon reflex:

Answer 23

response to excessive tension on the tendon

Question 24

What is the purpose of the tendon reflex?

Answer 24

serves to moderate muscle contraction before it tears a tendon

Question 25

Tendon organs measure…

Answer 25

tension

Question 26

Flexor reflex:

Answer 26

quick contraction of flexor muscles

Question 27

What does a flexor reflex result in?

Answer 27

withdraw of a limb from an injurious stimulus

Question 28

Crossed extension reflex:

Answer 28

contraction of extensor muscles in the limb opposite from the one that is withdrawn

Question 29

The crossed extension reflex […] that limb and enables you to […].

Answer 29

extends; keep your balance

Question 30

Superficial reflexes:

Answer 30

elicited by gentle cutaneous stimulation

Question 31

Plantar reflex tests integrity of spinal cord from […] and […].

Answer 31

L4-S2; corticospinal tracts

Question 32

Normal plantar reflex response:

Answer 32

toes flex

Question 33

Abnormal plantar reflex response:

Answer 33

toes dorsiflex to great toe and the smaller toes fan laterally

Question 34

Abnormal plantar reflex is also known as…

Answer 34

Babinski’s sign

Question 35

What are the two superficial reflexes?

Answer 35

1. plantar reflex

2. abdominal reflex

Question 36

Abdominal reflex checks the integrity of the […] and ventral rami from […] and […] tracts.

Answer 36

spinal cord; T8-T12; corticospinal

Question 37

Stroking the skin of the lateral abdomen above the umbilicus…

Answer 37

induces a movement of the umbilicus toward the stimulated site