Reflexes and Efferent Pathways in Human Physiology

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to reflex actions and the nervous system pathways involved in their functioning.

Reflex

An involuntary and rapid response to a stimulus.

Efferent Pathways

Nerves that carry signals away from the central nervous system to effectors like muscles and glands.

Patellar Tendon Reflex

A monosynaptic reflex that causes knee extension in response to tapping the patellar tendon.

Muscle Spindle Organ

A sensory receptor located in muscles that detects changes in muscle length and the rate of that change.

Miicturition Reflex

A polysynaptic reflex that involves the urination process, where the stretch receptors in the bladder trigger contraction of smooth muscle.

Temporal Summation

A mechanism by which multiple stimuli can induce a stronger response when they occur in rapid succession.

Reciprocal Inhibition

A process where the contraction of one muscle (agonist) is accompanied by the relaxation of its antagonist.

Threshold Error

The difference between the actual stimulus and the threshold needed to trigger a response.

Afferent Nerve

Nerves that carry signals towards the central nervous system.

Somatic Reflexes

Reflexes that involve the somatic nervous system, controlling skeletal muscles.

Efferent Pathways

Nerves that carry signals away from the central nervous system to effectors like muscles and glands, playing a crucial role in executing motor responses.

Afferent Nerve

Nerves that carry signals towards the central nervous system, essential for sensory feedback and initiating reflex responses.

Reciprocal Inhibition

A process where the contraction of one muscle (agonist) is accompanied by the relaxation of its antagonist, which aids in smooth and efficient movement.

Miicturition Reflex

A polysynaptic reflex that involves the urination process, initiated when stretch receptors in the bladder detect fullness and trigger contraction of smooth muscle.

Somatic Reflexes

Reflexes that involve the somatic nervous system, controlling skeletal muscles, generally involving a direct pathway through the spinal cord.

Temporal Summation

A mechanism by which multiple stimuli can induce a stronger response when they occur in rapid succession, influencing the activation of pathways.

Reflex Arc

The pathway by which a reflex travels; includes the sensory receptor, afferent neuron, integration center, efferent neuron, and effector.

Dorsal Root Ganglion

A cluster of nerve cell bodies in the dorsal root of a spinal nerve, containing sensory neurons that transmit signals to the central nervous system.

Monosynaptic Reflex

A reflex that involves a direct connection between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron, resulting in a quick response.

Polysynaptic Reflex

A reflex that involves one or more interneurons in the spinal cord, allowing for more complex responses and integration of signals.

Neuromuscular Junction

The synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where the neuron releases neurotransmitters to trigger muscle contraction.