Experiment No.
6
Demonstration of Reflex Activity
Aim
To demonstrate reflex activity and study reflex responses in the human body.
Principle
A reflex action is a quick, automatic, and involuntary response of the body to a stimulus.
Reflexes occur without conscious control and help in protecting the body from injury as well
as maintaining posture and balance.
The pathway through which the nerve impulse travels during a reflex action is called a reflex
arc.
A reflex arc consists of:
1. Receptor – receives the stimulus
2. Sensory neuron – carries impulse to the spinal cord
3. Integration center – spinal cord/interneuron
4. Motor neuron – carries impulse from spinal cord
5. Effector organ – muscle or gland producing response
When a stimulus is applied, receptors generate nerve impulses which travel through sensory
neurons to the spinal cord. The spinal cord processes the information and immediately sends
a response through motor neurons to the effector organ, producing a rapid action.
Reflexes are usually mediated through the spinal cord, making the response faster than
voluntary actions.
Classification of Reflexes
Reflexes can be classified in different ways based on their development, site, number of
synapses, and type of effector organ.
1. Based on Development
A. Unconditioned Reflexes
Present naturally since birth
Inborn and automatic
Do not require learning
Examples
Knee jerk reflex
Blinking reflex
Withdrawal reflex
B. Conditioned Reflexes
Acquired by learning or experience
Develop after repeated practice
Examples
Salivation on seeing food
Reflexes developed during training
2. Based on Site of Integration
A. Spinal Reflexes
Integrated at the level of the spinal cord
Examples
Knee jerk reflex
Withdrawal reflex
B. Cranial Reflexes
Integrated in the brain or brainstem
Examples
Corneal reflex
Pupillary light reflex
3. Based on Number of Synapses
A. Monosynaptic Reflex
Contains only one synapse between sensory and motor neuron
Fastest reflex
Example
Knee jerk reflex
B. Polysynaptic Reflex
Contains one or more interneurons
More than one synapse present
Examples
Withdrawal reflex
Plantar reflex
4. Based on Type of Effector Organ
A. Somatic Reflexes
Effector organ is skeletal muscle
Examples
Knee jerk reflex
Biceps reflex
B. Autonomic (Visceral) Reflexes
Effector organ is smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or glands
Examples
Pupillary reflex
Salivary reflex
5. Based on Clinical Importance
A. Superficial Reflexes
Elicited by stimulation of skin or mucous membrane
Examples
Plantar reflex
Corneal reflex
B. Deep Tendon Reflexes
Elicited by tapping tendon
Examples
Knee jerk reflex
Ankle jerk reflex
Result: Reflex activity was demonstrated successfully