Reflex Arc

• What are reflex reactions controlled by?

  reflex arc
• What is a reflex arc?

  Nerve pathways which makes fast, automatic responses possible. The response is stereotypic
• Monosynaptic?

  Reflex action which only has 2 neurons - sensory and motor

  eg) patellar reflex, achilles reflex
• Polysynaptic?

  Multiple interneurons interface between sensory and motor neuron in the reflex pathway
• reflex properties?

  stimulus required -> trigger reflex

  1. involuntary: no concious thought
  2. rapid: only small number neurons used
  3. stereotypes: same each time
• if i burnt myself with the oven why do i pull my finger away before i feel any pain?

  Reflex bypass brain; involuntary

  • impulse sent to brain which is far from spinal cord
  • impulse causes awareness after reflex