Clinical Assessment and Physiology of Human Reflexes
I. Reflex Activity: Definition and Physiology
- Reflex Definition: An involuntary, automatic response to a peripheral stimulus, involving either motor or secretory action.
- Function: Crucial for adaptation to internal and external changes.
- Dependence: Requires the integrity of the reflex arc; disruption at any level abolishes the reflex.
II. The Reflex Arc: Components
The reflex arc consists of five essential components:
- Receptor Organ: Transforms a stimulus into nerve impulses.
- Afferent Neuron: Conducts the impulse to the Central Nervous System (CNS).
- Integration Center: Typically located in the spinal cord or brainstem; processes signals via synapses.
- Efferent (Motor) Neuron: Sends the command from the CNS to the effector.
- Effector: The muscle or gland
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