Stretch Reflexes Flashcards
What is a reflex
Involuntary response to a stimulus
What is an example of a receptor organ
The skin after touching a painful stimulus
Where does an afferent neuron take the signal from and to
From a receptor organ to the control centre CNS
Where does the efferent neuron take the signal from and to
From a CNS to the effector organ
What is the effector organ
The organ such as a muscle that contracts to move the body away from a painful symptom
What is a stretch reflex
Superficial and deep tendon reflexes
What does an absent reflex and sensory loss suggest
Afferent arc of the reflex is damaged
What does an absent reflex with paralysis suggest
Damage to the efferent arc
what are the 4 classifications of reflexes
development - innate or required
response - somativ or autonomic
complexity - monosynpatic or polysynaptic
processing site - spinal cord or brain
what is the quickest stretch reflex
monosynaptic
what is a monosynaptic stretch reflex
a simple reflex arc with a single synapse between the afferent and efferent neuron
what is a polysynaptic stretch reflex
uses interneurons to pass signals from sensory to motor neurons by creating multiple synaptic connections - reciprocal inhibtion
what is reciprocal inhibition
automatic stretch of one muscle stops the opposite one
what happens in a cross extensor reflex
the flexor contracts and extensor relaxes to withdraw the foot then the extensor contracts and flexor relaxes in contralateral leg to support weight
what is the babinksi reflexes
the plantar reflex where you trace an arch from heel of foot to toes - a healthy sight is toes curling
