Reflex Table

1. Why is reflex testing an important diagnostic tool in physical examinations?

Reflex testing helps assess the status of one’s nervous system for things like if there are any signs of abnormalities or disorders, especially motor related disorders.

2. What is a monosynaptic reflex? Polysynaptic?

monosynaptic- single synapse which means direct communication 

polysynaptic- multiple interneurons needed to connect neurons (sensory and motor)

3. Identify and explain the five steps of a reflex arc in order. 

3. 1. receptor-senses stimulus

   2. sensory neuron-transmit impulse

   3. integration center-single or multiple synapses

   4. motor neuron

   5. effector

4. Compare and contrast somatic reflexes with visceral reflexes.

Somatic refers to skeletal muscle. Autonomic refers to visceral effectors: smooth, cardiac, or glands.

5. What functions as the afferent pathway for the photopupillary reflex arc? Where are the visual centers located?

The optic nerve is the afferent pathway. The visual center is the midbrain.

6. What part of the brain functions as a reflex center that integrates sensory information concerning the position of the body, and coordinates complex skeletal muscle movements ?

The brain stem, which is the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata, is a reflex center.

7. What is the Babinski sign? Why is it clinically important?

In infants, their toes should curl upward and fan out (up to 2). Adults' toes should curt downward. If you fails this could mean you have an underlying brain condition or nervous system issue causing abnormal reflexes.