REFLEX MOVEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Reflex movement refers to an involuntary and automatic response triggered by stimuli, which occurs without conscious thought or decision-making processes. It is a rapid and stereotyped action that the body performs in response to specific sensory inputs. These stimuli can be external, such as touching a hot surface, or internal, such as sensing pain or changes in temperature. The aim of reflex movements is to protect the body from potential harm or to maintain homeostasis.
Reflex movements are mediated by the spinal cord and lower brain centers, bypassing the higher brain regions responsible for conscious control. This allows for an immediate response and promotes survival in potentially dangerous situations. The receptors involved in reflex movements are called reflex arcs, consisting of sensory neurons that detect the trigger stimulus, interneurons that relay the information to motor neurons, and motor neurons that carry the response to the muscles or glands.
Common examples of reflex movements include the withdrawal reflex, where pulling away from a painful stimulus such as touching a hot object occurs involuntarily and instantaneously, and the knee-jerk reflex, seen when tapping the tendon below the kneecap causes a quick contraction of the thigh muscles. These reflexes are considered important diagnostic tools in assessing the functionality of the nervous system.
In summary, reflex movements are automatic and rapid responses to specific stimuli that occur without conscious control, aiming to protect the body from harm or maintain physiological balance.
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• An involuntary m. resulting from a stimulus applied near, or it may be at a distance from the part moved.
• An involuntary muscular contraction of reflex nature; see r. action.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for REFLEX MOVEMENT
- eeflex movement
- deflex movement
- feflex movement
- teflex movement
- 5eflex movement
- 4eflex movement
- rwflex movement
- rsflex movement
- rdflex movement
- rrflex movement
- r4flex movement
- r3flex movement
- redlex movement
- reclex movement
- revlex movement
- reglex movement
- retlex movement
- rerlex movement
- refkex movement
- refpex movement
Etymology of REFLEX MOVEMENT
The word "reflex" originates from the Latin term "reflexus", which means "bent back" or "turned back". It is derived from the Latin verb "reflectere", which combines "re-" (meaning "back") and "flectere" (meaning "to bend" or "to turn").
The term "movement" comes from the Old French word "movement", further derived from the Latin term "movimentum", meaning "motion" or "movement". This Latin word is formed from the verb "movēre", which translates to "to move".
Therefore, the term "reflex movement" combines the Latin word "reflexus" (meaning "bent back" or "turned back") with the Old French/Latin word "movement" (meaning "motion" or "movement"). It describes an involuntary and automatic action or response initiated by a sensory stimulus.
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