Lab_2.5_Reflex_Arcs

Spinal Cord

The part of the central nervous system located within the vertebral column, responsible for processing sensory and motor information.

Reflex

A fast, predictable, automatic response to changes in the environment.

Somatic Reflexes

Reflexes in which the effectors are skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Reflexes

Reflexes in which the effectors are smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands.

Plexus

A branching network of ventral (anterior) rami.

Cervical Plexus

Innervates skin and muscles of the head, neck, superior chest and shoulders, and diaphragm.

Brachial Plexus

Provides nerve supply to the shoulders and upper limbs.

Lumbar Plexus

Innervates the anterolateral abdominal wall, external genitalia, and part of the lower limbs.

Sacral Plexus

Innervates the buttocks, perineum, and lower limbs.

Phrenic Nerve

A nerve that originates from C3, C4, and C5, innervating the diaphragm.

White Matter

Region of the spinal cord containing myelinated nerve fibers, involved in conducting nerve impulses to and from the brain.

Gray Matter

Region of the spinal cord consisting of neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated fibers, involved in receiving and integrating information.

Ipsilateral

Referring to a response that occurs on the same side as the stimulus.

Contralateral

Referring to a response that occurs on the opposite side from the stimulus.

Monosynaptic Reflex

A reflex that involves a single synapse between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron.

Polysynaptic Reflex

A reflex that involves more than one synapse, often including interneurons.

Reciprocal Innervation

A mechanism where the opposing muscle group responds opposite to the effector's response.

Stretch Reflex

A reflex that controls muscle length by causing muscle contraction.

Tendon Reflex

A reflex that controls muscle tension by causing muscle relaxation.

Flexor (Withdrawal) Reflex

A reflex that moves a limb to avoid injury or pain.

Crossed-Extensor Reflex

A reflex that maintains balance during the withdrawal of a limb.

Clinical Reflexes

Reflexes used to diagnose disorders of the nervous system and locate injured tissue.

Erection Center

Located between T10/L2 and S2-S4 in the spinal cord, responsible for initiating erections.

Psychogenic Pathway

Pathway where messages travel from the brain via the spinal cord to the genital area.

Reflexogenic Pathway

Pathway that activates the parasympathetic nervous system in response to sensation of touch.