REFLEX SENSATION Meaning and
Definition
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Reflex sensation refers to the automatic or involuntary response produced by the nervous system in response to a stimulus. It involves the relay of sensory information from the body to the spinal cord or brainstem and an immediate motor response, without conscious thought or decision-making.
When a reflexive sensation occurs, a sensory receptor detects a stimulus, such as pain, pressure, heat, or cold, and sends electrical signals through sensory neurons to the central nervous system. The brainstem or spinal cord then quickly processes this incoming sensory information and generates an appropriate motor response, which is transmitted through motor neurons to the relevant muscles or glands. This reflex action bypasses the higher brain centers responsible for conscious thought and reasoning.
Common examples of reflex sensations include the knee-jerk reflex, where tapping the tendon below the kneecap causes an immediate leg kick, and the withdrawal reflex, where touching a hot object causes an immediate pulling away of the hand. Reflex sensations are innate and serve as protective mechanisms that help the body respond swiftly to potential harm or danger.
The study of reflex sensations is essential in understanding the functioning of the nervous system and diagnosing various neurological disorders. Testing reflex sensations can provide valuable information about the integrity of specific neural pathways and help healthcare professionals assess the overall health and proper functioning of the central nervous system.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for REFLEX SENSATION
Etymology of REFLEX SENSATION
The etymology of the word "reflex" can be traced back to the Latin word "reflexus", which means "bent back" or "turned back". It is derived from the verb "reflectere", which combines "re-" (back) and "flectere" (to bend or turn). In Latin, this term was used to describe the action of bending or turning back.
The word "sensation" comes from the Latin word "sensatio", which means "perception" or "feeling". It is derived from the verb "sentire", which means "to feel" or "to perceive".
Therefore, combining the two words, "reflex sensation" refers to the perception or feeling that is produced as a result of a reflex action, where a stimulus is quickly processed by the nervous system without conscious thought.
