Richland College
Biol. 2401
ACTIVITY 5: Audiometry
Marieb A&P Lab Manual - 11th Edition
HUMAN REFLEX PHYSIOLOGY
OBJECTIVES
1. To define reflex and reflex arc.
2. To name, identify, and describe the function of each component of a reflex arc.
3. To indicate why reflex testing is an important part of every physical examination.
4. To describe and discuss several types of reflex activities; to indicate the importance of
each; and to categorize each as somatic or autonomic reflex as well as cranial or spinal.
5. To explain why cord-mediated reflexes are generally much faster than those involving
input from the higher brain centers.
NOTES:
I. Components of a reflex arc:
 Sensory receptor
 Motor neuron
 Sensory neuron
 Effector
 Integration center
Name and locate the above reflex arc components on models and diagrams.
II. Types of reflexes:
 Somatic vs. Autonomic reflexes
 Cranial vs. Spinal reflexes
 Ipsilateral vs. Consensual reflexes
Define and give examples of each type.
III. Reflexes to do in lab:
Be sure to follow directions in the lab text, answering the questions in book as you run the
reflex tests, such as, the purpose, how run, the stimulus, the normal response, the type,
any significance or advantage of response, etc. For example, patellar reflex,
Name
Stimulus
Patellar R. Tap on patellar
(Knee-jerk) tendon (Golgi
tendon organs)
Afferent
Femoral N.
ACTIVITY 1: STRETCH REFLEXES
Patellar reflex and Achilles reflex
ACTIVITY 3: PLANTAR REFLEX
ACTIVITY 4: CORNEAL REFLEX
ACTIVITY 5: GAG REFLEX
ACTIVITY 6: PUPILLARY REFLEX
ACTIVITY 7: CILIOSPINAL REFLEX
Reflex.doc
Center
L2-4
Efferent
Femoral N.
Response
knee extension at
the same side
Type
Somatic R.
Spinal R.
Ipsilateral R.
SKIP ACTIVITY 2, 8, 9
 Crossed extensor reflex
 Salivary reflex
 Reaction time of reflexes