Spinal Reflexes Flashcards
What are somatic reflexes?
Somatic motor neurons and skeletal muscles
What are autonomic reflexes?
Reflexes controlled by autonomic neurons
What are the 5 points in the reflex arc?
Receptor Sensory afferent Central neurone Motor afferent Effector
What do receptors do?
Detect stimuli on the surface of the skin
What do sensory afferents do?
Carry information from the receptors to the CNS
What do central neurons do?
Synapse into either interneurons or cell bodies
What are the two types of motor afferent?
Alpha - extrafusal, bulk of muscle
Gamma - intrafusal, fibres of muscle spindles
What does the effector do?
Converts electrical signals into an appropriate response
What are monosynaptic reflexes?
Stretch reflexes
What are polysynaptic reflexes?
Golgi tendon reflexes
What does the muscle spindle do?
Detects change in muscle length
What does the Golgi tendon organ do?
Detects change in muscle strain
What is the crossed extensor reflex?
A postural reflex that helps us maintain balance when standing on one leg
What are central pattern generations?
A network of neurons that create spontaneous repetitive movement
