Reflexes Flashcards
What is a reflex?
An automatic response to stimuli carried through a specific neural pathway
What is an innate reflex?
A reflex that is genetically determined & you’re born with
What is an acquired reflex?
A reflex that is learned over time based on experience
What type of reflex involves communication in the spinal cord?
Spinal reflex
What type of reflex involves the brainstem?
Cranial reflex
List the general components of a reflex arc
Sensory receptor
Afferent neuron
Integrating center (site of communication between sensory and motor)
Efferent neuron
Effector muscle or gland
What is a monosynaptic reflex?
The simplest type of reflex where the integrating center involves only a single synapse
What is a polysynaptic reflex?
A reflex that involves at least one interneuron in the integrating center
List the important innate somatic reflexes
Stretch reflex
Tendon reflex
Flexor (withdrawal) reflex
Crossed extensor reflex
This reflex causes contraction of a skeletal muscle in response to stretching of that muscle
Stretch reflex
What type of reflex arc does the stretch reflex use?
Monosynaptic
This reflex causes a muscle to relax in response to stretching of the tendon
Tendon reflex
What type of reflex arc does the tendon reflex use?
Polysynaptic
This reflex causes immediate withdrawal from painful stimulus
Flexor reflex
What type of reflex arc does the flexor reflex use?
Polysynaptic
What does ipsilateral mean in regards to reflexes?
Incoming and outgoing signals propagate into and out of the same side of the body
What does contralateral mean in regards to reflexes?
Incoming signals propagate on the opposite side of the body of which the outgoing signal propagates
This reflex occurs with the flexor reflex to help you maintain balance by activating muscles on the opposite side of the body as the stimulus
Crossed extensor reflex
What type of reflex arc does the crossed extensor reflex use?
Polysynaptic
What innate, somatic reflex is contralateral?
Crossed extensor reflex
What division of the nervous system do reflexes take place in?
Autonomic
A reflex arc involving more neurons travels faster: true or false
False
