BIO 201 Lecture 23: Reflexes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the components of reflex arcs, the differences between reflexes and reactions, and specific reflex actions from BIO 201 Lecture 23.

Reflex

An involuntary, instantaneous movement that occurs in response to a stimulus and is facilitated by reflex arcs.

Reaction

A relatively slow, voluntary response to a stimulus that involves conscious thought and travels to the brain.

Sensory Neuron

A neuron that carries the signal from an encountered stimulus up to the spinal column during a reflex action.

Interneuron

A short neuron in the spinal column that the sensory signal passes through before exiting to a motor neuron.

Motor Neuron

A neuron that transmits the signal leaving the interneuron down to the origin of the signal to trigger muscle contraction.

Accommodation reflex

Adjustment of the lens and pupil when looking at near or far objects.

Biceps reflex

Jerking of the forearm when the biceps brachii is struck with a tendon hammer.

Blushing

Reddening of the face caused by embarrassment, shame, or modesty.

Corneal reflex

Blinking of both eyes when either cornea is touched.

Cough reflex

Strong expulsion of air occurring when the trachea is irritated.

Gag reflex

A reflex occurring from stimulus to the vagus nerve in the throat or to stimuli such as a bad smell or upsetting vision of a scene.

Knee jerk

Outward kicking of the lower leg when the patellar tendon is struck with a tendon hammer.

Pupillary accommodation reflex

Reduction in pupil size in response to an object coming close to the eye.

Pupillary light reflex

Reduction in pupil size in response to light.

Shivering

Shaking of the body occurring in response to hypothermia.

Sneeze

Convulsion expulsion of air occurring in response to irritation of the nasal mucosa.