Reflexes

Question 1

What is a reflex?

Answer 1

An involuntary stereotypical response that may involve one Afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) across a single synapse

Question 2

What needs to be intact for a reflex to occur?

Answer 2

1. Sensory nerve fibers
2. Spinal cord synapse
3. Motor nerve fibers
4. Neuromuscular junction
5. Muscle fibers

Question 3

What are the steps to a reflex happening?

Answer 3

1. Tap the tendon
2. Tapping activated a special sensory fiber
3. A sensory impulse was triggered
4. The impulse travels to the spinal cord, via peripheral nerve
5. The stimulated sensory fiber synapses directly with the anterior horn cell innervating the same muscle
6. The impulse will then cross the neuromuscular junction
7. Muscle contracts

Question 4

What are the DTR?

Answer 4

1. Triceps = C6,7
2. Brachioradialis= C5,6
3. Biceps= C5, C6
4. Knee= L,2,3,4*
5. Achilles’ tendon=sacral 1