Name the parts of a monosynaptic and of a polysynapticreflex arc. What is a reflex? Explain how reflexes arehomeostatic.
Name the parts of a monosynaptic and of a polysynaptic
reflex arc. What is a reflex? Explain how reflexes are
homeostatic.
A reflex is an involuntary, unplanned action in response to a stimulus.
For example, on touching a hot iron plate, one withdraws one's hand briskly without any thought. This is a reflex action.
It doesn't involve the brain and so it is rapid. The impulse travels to and from the spinal cord level.
Monosynaptic reflexes- Where there is only one synapse- between the sensory neuron and the motor neuron.
Polysynaptic reflexes- Where there is more than one synapse.
Parts of the reflex arc:-
1- Monosynaptic reflexes- Receptor, Afferent fibre, Spinal cord, Efferent fibre, Effector (muscle). example- Knee-jerk reflex. It is faster than polysynaptic reflex.
2- Polysynaptic reflexes- Receptor, afferent neuron, interneuron, spinal cord, interneuron, efferent fibre, effector. example- withdrawal reflex.
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