Table of Contents
What are the 2 categories of reflexes?
There are two types of reflex arcs:the autonomic reflex arc, affecting inner organs, and the somatic reflex arc, affecting muscles. When a reflex arc consists of only two neurons, one sensory neuron, and one motor neuron, it is defined as monosynaptic.
Where are most reflexes integrated?
Most reflexes are polysynaptic (involving more than two neurons) and involve the activity of interneurons (or association neurons) in the integration center.
How are reflexes categorized?
Reflexes can be categorized as either autonomic or somatic. Autonomic reflexes are not subject to conscious control, are mediated by the autonomic division of the nervous system, and usually involve the activation of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.
What are the basic components of a reflex?
The reflex arc consists of 5 components:
- sensory receptor.
- sensory neuron.
- integration center.
- motor neuron.
- effector target.
Is the knee jerk reflex somatic or autonomic?
Autonomic Reflexes Activity 1- Patellar reflex The patellar tendon reflex or knee-jerk reflex is a monosynaptic stretch reflex that assesses the nervous tissue between (and including) the L2 and L4 segments. It can be done by tapping the patellar ligament (just below the knee) with a reflex hammer.
What are the 5 components a reflex test?
FIGURE 7-1 A reflex arc contains five fundamental components: 1, a receptor; 2, a sensory neuron; 3, one or more synapses in the CNS; 4, a motor neuron; and 5, a target organ, usually a muscle.
Where does the synaptic integration portion of the reflex arc occur?
Because these reflexes do not involve conscious thought processes, except for those reflexes using cranial nerves, the synaptic integration portion of the reflex arc typically occurs in the spinal cord.
What are the reflexes of the peripheral nervous system?
1 Stretch Reflex. The stretch reflex (myotatic reflex) is a muscle contraction in response to stretching within the muscle. 2 Golgi Tendon Reflex. The Golgi tendon reflex is a normal component of the reflex arc of the peripheral nervous system. 3 Crossed Extensor Reflex. 4 Withdrawal Reflex.
How are reflexes categorized by the number of synapses?
Reflexes can also be categorized by the number of synapses they involve (monosynaptic reflex versus polysynaptic reflex) or the relative position of the sensory receptors to the responding muscles (ipsilateral = same side of the body, contralateral = opposite sides of the body). One of the simplest reflexes is a stretch reflex.
Why are reflexes considered to be polynaptic reflexes?
Because the integration center in this reflex arc has many synapses, it is a polynaptic reflex. And as already discussed, the sensory information will also travel to the brain to develop a conscious awareness of the situation such that conscious decision-making can take over immediately after the reflex occurs.