Lab Reflex #1

Reflex Arc

Neural pathway for an involuntary response to a stimulus.

Somatic Reflex

motor response of a contraction of a skeletal muscle.

Autonomic Reflex

Motor response by cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, or glands.

Spinal Reflexes

reflexes mediated by spinal nerves

Cranial Reflexes

reflexes mediated by cranial nerves

Sensory Receptor

if the stimulus is strong enough, an action potential will be generated.

Sensory Neuron

propagates the action potential and synapses with neurons.

Integrating Center

located within the gray matter of the CNS, transfer information from sensory to motor neurons.

Monosynaptic Reflex Arc

single synapse between sensory & motor neurons.

Polysynaptic Reflex Arc

multiple synapses, involves interneurons or associate.

Motor Neuron

carries action potential from the integrating center to the effector.

Effector

the place where movement/action occurs. Can be a skeletal, cardiac, smooth, or a gland.

Reflex

response of an effector to stimulation by a motor neuron.

Ipsilateral Reflex

all types of receptors and effectors are on one side of the body.

Contralateral Reflex

sensory neurons on one side of the body, motor neurons on the other.

Bilateral Reflex

involves both sides of the body simultaneously.

Patellar Reflex

extension of the knee that occurs from quadriceps tension.

Reciprocal Innervation

contraction of an agonist, and inhibition of an antagonist.

Biceps Reflex

contraction of biceps muscle, when biceps tendon is stretched.

Triceps Reflex

contraction of triceps, when triceps tendon is stretched.

Plantar Flexion

flexed (curled) toes when plantar surface is stroked.

Medial Popliteal

Nerve tested during the Achilles reflex.

Musculocutaneous

The nerve tested during the biceps reflex

Femoral

nerve tested during patellar reflex, also causes left leg extension

Radial

nerve tested during triceps reflex.

Sciatic

nerve carrying motor information causing right leg flexion

Quadriceps

Agonistic muscle for right leg extension

Hamstrings

agonistic muscles for left leg flexion