Chapter 49, Problem 49.1CR

How does the circuitry of a reflex facilitate a rapid response?

Summary Introduction

To review: How the circuitry of a reflex produces a rapid response.

Introduction:

Reflexes are the autonomic responses that are coordinated with the spinal cord through sensory, motor and interneurons. The response is produced by making rapid adjustments in the organs function. The reflex produces the same type of response, each time it is activated.

Explanation of Solution

Spinal cord in the vertebrates runs lengthwise and conveys information to and from the brain. It also generates certain types of locomotion. It acts as a part of the nerve circuitry system, that produces automatic responses to the stimuli known as reflex.

A reflex protects the body by producing a rapid, involuntary response to the stimulus. The reflexes are rapid, since the sensory neurons directly activate the motor neurons. The information is not passed from the spinal cord to the brain and from the brain, back to the spinal cord. Most of the reflexes are stereotyped and produces a same response everytime. The reflexes are rapid, when the stimulus is applied to the periphery, it travels to the central nervous system and back to the periphery involving only few neuronal circuits.

Conclusion

Spinal cord has a neural circuitry to generate stereotypical reflexes which are rapid, when a stimulus is applied peripherally. The response is produced by involuntary action.