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