Jenna Odell

Period 2

Title: reflex arc lab

Purpose: to gain a better understanding of what a reflex arc is

Background: Nerve Impulses follow paths called nerve pathways. Reflexes are fast involuntary
movements which happen over a pathway called reflex arc. Reflex arcs have five important
movements. The receptor reacts to w stimulus. The sensory neuron leads nerves impulse to the
CNS. A motor neuron starts a nerve Impulse to the center. And an eector contracts an secrets a
product. Reflexes are both autonomic or somatic but most are polysynaptic, meaning they use
more than 2 neurons. But some can be monosynaptic which is one impulse. It's Important to do
reflex testing because it can tell us any issues with the nervous system. Especially for head injuries
it's easy to tell if there is bleeding around the brain. The Taylor reflex Hammer is the tool that is used
for the tests. You tap the muscles which activate the stretch and then your reaction is the
movement.

Procedure: see attachment

Data: chart

Hypothesis: I think that when we hit the muscles switch will activate our reflex arc causing us to
jump or twitch.