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7 Reflex Phys
7 Reflex Phys
I.
B.
b. thermoreceptors - respond to
temperature changes
c. photoreceptors - respond to light
(the retina)
d. chemoreceptors - respond to
different molecules in the blood,
kidney, tongue, nose, etc.
e. nociceptors - respond to harmful
stimuli (painful); heat, cold,
pressure, chemical
2. Sensory Neuron - transmits the signal from receptors (AFFERENT nerve fiber) to the CNS
3. Integration center - point where sensory and motor neurons integrate information to respond
a. monosynaptic pathway - sensory neurons synapse directly with the motor neuron
b. polysynaptic pathway - one or more "interneurons" between sensory and motor
neurons
4. Motor Neuron - transmits motor signal from CNS to the effector organ via EFFERENT nerve
5. The Effector - the muscle or organ that responds to signal of the motor neuron
II.
c. the AFFERENT (sensory) fibers from the Golgi tendon organs ACTIVATE motor
neuron to the antagonistic muscle, causing it to contract
2. The deep tendon reflexes COUNTERBALANCE the stretch reflexes to allow smooth motion
to occur, especially during complex activity (e.g. running, swimming, etc.)
III.
The Flexor (Withdrawal) Reflex - allows the withdrawal of a limb from a painful stimulus
1. ipsilateral, polysynaptic reflex - this occurs on the same side of the body as the stimulus, and
involves at least one interneuron in the pathway
B.
The Crossed Extensor Reflex - allows one limb to act in opposite way as other limb
1. Lifting foot from a hot coal, other leg must react to support the weight of the body
2.
contralateral reflex - stimulus on one side of the body affects action of opposite (contra)
side
C. Superficial (Cutaneous) Reflexes - gentle stroking of the skin can cause a variety of responses
1. Plantar Reflex - gently stroking the lateral aspect of the bottom of the foot (test L4 S2)
a. normal adult - the toes will flex (curl down)
b. Babinski sign - in infant (up to 6 months) and in adults with damaged corticospinal
tract, toes will fan out
2.
Abdominal reflexes - gently stroke skin on lateral aspects of the abdomen (test T8 T12)