Reflex Movement

Question 1

What is a reflex action?

Answer 1

A reflex action is an involuntary action in response to a stimulus

Question 2

What are the reflex pathway components?

Answer 2

Stimulus -> Sensory Neuron -> Synapse(s) -> Motor Neuron -> Effector

Question 3

What is the function of somatic reflexes

Answer 3

For maintenance of posture and muscle tone

Question 4

What are some types of somatic reflexes?

Answer 4

Tendon-jerk Reflexes:
- Proprioceptor endings

Cutaneous Reflexes:

• Mechanoreceptor endings
• Nociceptor endings

Question 5

How does the ankle jerk reflex work?

Answer 5

1) Hammer tap to achilles tendon
2) fibres in calf stretched
3) AP conducted along muscle afferents to spinal cord
4) Motor neurons of calf muscle activated and AP travels along motor axon
5) Calf contracts, foot extends