Reflex Action Flashcards
(5 cards)
What is the reflex arc?
What are the five basic components of all reflex arcs:

A reflex is a rapid, involuntary motor response to a stimulus.
The reflex arc has five elements:
- Receptor ► Sensory Neuron ► CNS Integration Center ► Motor neuron ► Effector

What is a monosynaptic reflex?
Give an example:
2 Neuron Chain involved:
In simple reflex arcs, the integration center may be a single synapse between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron.
PATELLAR REFLEX (STRETCH REFLEX)
What is a polysynaptic reflex?
Give an example
Requires 3 or more sets of neurons
More complex reflex arcs involve multiple synapses with chains of interneurons.
WITHDRAWAL REFLEX (CROSSED-EXTENSOR REFLEXES)
Knee Jerk Reflex (stretch reflex)
- helps keep your knees from buckling when you are standing upright.
- important for maintaining muscle tone & adjusting it reflexively
- Monosynaptic & Ipsilateral
Flexor or Withdrawal Reflex
- initiated by a painful stimulus and causes automatic withdrawal of the threathened body part from the stimulus.
- protective reflexes important for survival
- Ipsilateral and Polysynaptic