Reflexes Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to reflexes and their classifications.

Reflexes

Automatic responses coordinated within the spinal cord.

Interneuron

Also known as association neurons; interpret, plan, and coordinate signals.

Monosynaptic reflex

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

Polysynaptic reflex

A reflex that involves one or more interneurons between the sensory neuron and the motor neuron.

Stretch reflex

A type of monosynaptic reflex, such as the patellar reflex, that responds to the stretching of a muscle.

Reciprocal inhibition

The process in which one muscle relaxes while its antagonist contracts.

Tendon reflex

A reflex that prevents skeletal muscles from developing too much tension.

Afferent nerve

Sensory neurons that deliver information to the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Efferent nerve

Motor neurons that deliver commands to peripheral effectors.

Neural reflex

Rapid, automatic responses to specific stimuli, basic building blocks of neural function.

Cranial reflex

Reflexes that occur in the brain.

Spinal reflex

Reflexes that occur in the spinal cord.