When Kicking the Doctor Is Good—A Simple Reflex

Abstract

Humans and animals have reflexes to help protect them from danger. Reflexes are unconscious responses, which means they are automatic and do not require the brain to create the action. There are many different types of reflexes, but the most basic is called a simple reflex. A simple reflex contains only one space where information in the spinal cord travels between two nerve cells, called neurons. The space between two neurons is called a synapse. Thus, a simple reflex is called monosynaptic, where "mono" means "one." There are four parts to a monosynaptic simple reflex. The first is a sensor, which senses what is happening to the body, the second is a sensory neuron to carry that information to the spinal cord, and the third is a motor neuron to transmit information away from the spinal cord to the fourth part, which is the muscle that creates an action. Doctors will test reflexes by tapping the tendon just below the knee, and this causes the leg to kick out. This knee-jerk reflex is an example of a simple monosynaptic reflex. Have you ever noticed that when you touch a sharp or hot object, you pull your hand away rapidly without even thinking about the action? This reaction of removing your hand very quickly is a natural response within your RevIewed by: Francisco 15 years old