Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the difference between monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflex arcs?
What is the difference between monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflex arcs?
Monosynaptic has one synapse between sensory neuron and motor neuron, while polysynaptic involves many synapses.
What is the difference between hyporeflexic and hyperreflexic?
What is the difference between hyporeflexic and hyperreflexic?
Hyporeflexic shows less than average response, while hyperreflexic shows exaggerated response.
What is a reflex arc?
What is a reflex arc?
Receptor - Afferent Neuron - Integrating Center - Efferent Neuron - Effector.
Explain the patellar reflex.
Explain the patellar reflex.
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Explain the triceps brachii reflex.
Explain the triceps brachii reflex.
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Explain the biceps brachii reflex.
Explain the biceps brachii reflex.
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Explain the tendon reflex (calcaneus).
Explain the tendon reflex (calcaneus).
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Explain the Babinski reflex.
Explain the Babinski reflex.
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Study Notes
Reflex Arcs
- Monosynaptic Reflex Arc: Involves a single synapse between a sensory neuron and motor neuron.
- Polysynaptic Reflex Arc: Involves multiple synapses, typically including interneurons.
Reflex Responses
- Hyporeflexic: Exhibits below-average reflex response, indicating potential neurological issues.
- Hyperreflexic: Displays an exaggerated reflex response, possible indicator of increased neural sensitivity.
Structure of a Reflex Arc
- Comprised of a sequence: Receptor, Afferent Neuron, Integrating Center, Efferent Neuron, Effector.
Patellar Reflex
- Type: Monosynaptic reflex.
- Function: Tests the femoral nerve.
- Mechanism: Rapid muscle lengthening in the quadriceps activates sensory neurons that transmit impulses to the spinal cord, leading to motor neuron stimulation and muscle contraction to resist stretch.
Triceps Brachii Reflex
- Type: Monosynaptic reflex.
- Function: Tests the radial nerve.
- Mechanism: Striking the olecranon (elbow) elicits a forward movement in the arm.
Biceps Brachii Reflex
- Type: Monosynaptic reflex.
- Function: Tests the musculocutaneous nerve.
- Mechanism: A strike to the antecubital fossa results in upward movement of the arm.
Tendon Reflex (Calcaneus)
- Type: Polysynaptic reflex.
- Function: Tests the tibial nerve.
- Response: Foot should flex when the tendon is stimulated.
Babinski Reflex
- Normal Response: In adults, stroking the plantar surface leads to toe flexion.
- Abnormal Response: Injury to pyramidal tracts causes extension of the big toe.
- Significance: Useful for assessing spinal damage; a positive Babinski reflex is normal in infants but not in adults, indicating potential neurological development or injury.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the nervous system with this set of flashcards covering crucial concepts like reflex arcs and reflex responses. Understand the distinctions between monosynaptic and polysynaptic pathways, as well as hyporeflexic and hyperreflexic conditions. Perfect for AP2 students seeking to reinforce their understanding of nervous system physiology.
