reflex Flashcards
1
Q
inborn reflex
A
also known as intrinsic
- rapid, predictable motor response to a stimulus
- unlearned, unpremeditated and involuntary
- prevent us from having to think about the little details of staying alive
2
Q
learned reflex
A
also known as acquired
- result from practise or repetition
3
Q
spinal reflexes
A
- somatic reflex
- occur without involvement of higher brain centres
- integration centre is the spinal cord and the skeletal muscles are effectors
4
Q
stretch reflex
A
- makes sure muscles stay at desired length ensuring proper function
- maintains muscle tone and cause muscle contraction
- they are monosynaptic and ipsillateral
5
Q
how does a stretch reflex work
A
- stretch activates muscle spindle; the associated sensory neurons transmit impulse to spinal cord
- sensory neurons synapse directly with motor and interneurons in spinal cord
- motor neurons cause stretched muscle to contract
6
Q
tendon reflex
A
- produce muscle relaxation (lengthening) in response to tension to prevent damage from excess stretch
7
Q
how does a tendon reflex work
A
- contraction of passive stretch activates tendon organs
- afferent impulses are transmitted to spinal cord
- contracting muscle relaxes and the antagonist contracts (reciprocal activation)
- information transmitted simultaneously to the cerebellum is used to adjust muscle tension
8
Q
flexor reflex
A
- also known as withdrawal reflexes
- initiated by a painful stimulus and are important/protective
- cause automatic withdrawal of threatened body part
- ipsillateral and polysynaptic
9
Q
crossed extensor reflex
A
- occur with flexor reflexes in weight-bearing limbs to maintain balance
- consist of an ipsillateral flexor reflex and a contralateral extensor reflex
10
Q
cranial reflex
A
- mono and polysynaptic reflex arcs of cranial nerves
- provide quick and easy method for observing condition and function of cranial nerves, the brain stem and specific nuclei and tracts in the brain
- assess damage arising from head trauma or injury
