Reflexes Flashcards
1
Q
What is a reflex
A
An action that occurs before their presence can reach the brain
2
Q
Spinal reflexes
A
Simple reflexes are stereotyped movements elicited by the activation of skin or muscle receptors, and are the base unit of movement
3
Q
Patellar reflex
A
Is a mono synaptic reflex
The relaxation of the antagonist muscle is dysynaptic
4
Q
What components does the stretch reflex have
A
monosynaptic and disynaptic components
5
Q
How does the stretch reflex work
A
- Stretch imposed on a muscle is detected by muscle spindles
- This initiates action potentials in these specialised sensory nerves toward the spinal chord
- These synapse with motor neurones that innervated the same muscle causing contraction
6
Q
What is the withdrawal reflex
A
The quick contraction of flexor muscles resulting in the withdrawal of a limb
7
Q
What is a polysynaptic reflex arc
A
Though relatively complex, the behaviour is still produced at the level of the spinal cord
8
Q
Sensorimotor
A
Most movements are in response to outside stimuli
