Neural Reflexes

Neural Reflexes:

1.       Efferent division that controls the effector

a.       Somatic motor neurons control sk. Muscle

b.      Autonomic neurons control smooth and cardiac muscle, glands, and adipose tissue

2.       Integrating region within the central nervous system

a.       Spinal reflexes don’t require input from the brain

b.      Cranial reflexes are integrated within the brain

3.       Time at which the reflex develops

a.       Innate (inborn) reflexes are genetically determined

b.      Learned reflexes are acquitted through experience

4.       The number of neurons in the reflex loop

a.       Monosynaptic reflexes have only two neurons: sensory – afferent and one efferent.  Only somatic motor reflexes can be monosynaptic

b.      Polysynaptic reflexes – one or more interneurons between the afferent and the efferent neurons.  All autonomic reflexes are polysynaptic because they have three neurons: one afferent and two efferent.