A Presentation on Reflex

History
Reflex mechanisms are of course still being

extensively studied in the central nervous system (CNS). First of which dates back to 1949, when D. P. C. Lloyd published an article in J. Gen. Physiol, on monosynaptic reflex. Reflex is discovered by Marshall Hall , so he is known as Father of reflex action . Pavlov is known as Father of conditional reflexes.

Introduction
What is reflex action ?

A reflex action is an automatic response to a certain situation or stimulus.

Involuntary action is carried out unconsciously (without our thinking about it) an example of this could be regulation of heat , heart beat . It is controlled by hypothalamus. Voluntary action is something our decide to do within our conscious mind, this could something like food searching, protection from enemies , etc. It is controlled by cerebrum .

TYPES OF ACTION

autonomic Involuntary

Action
voluntary

reflex

Kinds of reflex
Tonic reflex they are slow , long lasting

adjustments which maintain muscular tone ,posture and equilibrium. Phasic reflex they are rapid short lived adjustments as seen in flexure response.

Basic Organization of a Reflex Arc

Path of Reflex arc

Reflex Arc
1-Monosynaptic e.g. Stretch Reflex 2-Polysynaptic e.g. Withdrawal Reflex

Types of reflex action

Unconditioned Reflex:It was discovered by Marshall

in 1883 . An automatic instinctive unlearned reaction to a stimulus. An instinctive reflex not dependent on previous learning or experience. Examples-instinct behavior ,nest formation , migration , reproduction in specific weather . Conditioned Reflex: It was first discovered by Pavlov. A learned response performed by a trained animal to a signal that was previously associated with an event of consequence for that animal. Examples-cycling , dancing , singing ,etc.

Examples of Reflexes:
Flexor reflex (Withdrawal, "hot stove")
1. receptors sense pain 2. sensory impulse to spinal cord 3. synapse to association neuron, synapse to motor neurons (polysynaptic) 4. motor neurons to flexor muscles to 5. withdraw offended body part from stimulus
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Reflexes.ppt

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Stretch Reflex (Knee jerk)

1. Muscle spindles sense stretch of muscle, 2. Increase rate of sensory impulses to spinal cord 3. One synapse to motor neuron(monosynaptic) 4. Motor neurons stimulate muscle to 5. Contract & restore tension.

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Other examples
Blinking reflex of eye Sometimes when an object

comes in front of our eyes, eyelids close. Scratch reflex- when we put a drop of acetic acid on one leg of a frog, it tries to remove it from other leg, even after its brain is removed. Yawning When level of carbon dioxide increases in our blood we remove it by Yawning. Coughing When there comes a foreign particle in trachea, air comes with great intensity from our lungs so that this particle can come out with it. Sneezing- It is same as above, but air comes out from nose instead of mouth.

References
Dr. S.M. Saxena: R.P. unified Ramprashad & sons publication. 2. Www.en.wikipedia.org. 3. Dr. Ramesh Gupta: Modern Zoology. Prakash Publication. 4. H.N. Baijal: Zoology Arun prakashan.
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