reflexs Flashcards
reflex arc
simple neural pathway along which an initial sensory stimulus and a corresponding message travel
parts of the reflex arc
the receptor
the sensory (afferent) nerve
the intermediate nerve fibre (adjustor or interneuron)
the motor (efferent) nerve
the effector organ itself
what is a reflex?
an automatic, rapid, and unconscious response to a particular stimulus
autonomic reflexes
mediated by the autonomic division of the nervous system
somatic reflexes
involve stimulation of skeletal muscles by the somatic division of the nervous system
the receptor
receives the initial stimulus
the sensory (afferent) nerve
carries the impulse to the spinal column or brain
the intermediate nerve fibre (adjustor or interneuron)
interprets the signal and issues an appropriate response
the motor (efferent) nerve
carries the response message from the spinal cord to the muscle or organ
the effector organ itself (e.g. skeletal muscle)
carries out the response
proprioception
a person’s ability to sense the position, orientation, and movement of the body
proprioceptors
sensory receptors found in muscles, tendons, joints, and the inner ear that can detect the motion or position of the entire body of a limb by responding to stimuli from within the organism
