Withdrawal reflex
Withdrawal Reflex
The Withdrawal Reflex (pronunciation: /wɪðˈdrɔːl rɪˈflɛks/) is a type of involuntary action of the nervous system that responds to harmful stimuli.
Etymology
The term 'Withdrawal Reflex' is derived from the English words 'withdrawal' meaning to pull back or remove, and 'reflex' which is a direct and immediate automatic response made by the body to a stimulus.
Definition
The Withdrawal Reflex is a reflex mechanism of the body that causes an organism to automatically remove or withdraw a part of its body that is in harmful or painful situations. This reflex action is a protective response, aimed at preventing injury.
Mechanism
The Withdrawal Reflex involves a polysynaptic reflex arc, which includes multiple interneurons between the sensory input and motor output. When a painful stimulus is detected by nociceptors, a signal is sent to the spinal cord through a sensory neuron. This signal is then transmitted to interneurons in the spinal cord, which send a signal to motor neurons. These motor neurons control the muscles that pull the body part away from the harmful stimulus.
Related Terms
- Nociceptors: These are sensory receptors that are activated by potentially damaging stimuli, leading to the perception of pain.
- Polysynaptic reflex arc: This is a pathway in the nervous system that controls the withdrawal reflex. It involves multiple synapses involving one or more interneurons between the afferent and efferent neurons.
- Reflex arc: The neural pathway that controls reflex actions.
- Interneurons: These are neurons that transmit signals between other neurons, especially as part of a reflex arc.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Withdrawal reflex
- Wikipedia's article - Withdrawal reflex
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