The term "visceromotor reflex" refers to a reflexive response of the autonomic nervous system in which an internal organ (viscera) reacts to a stimulus. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /vɪˈsɛrəʊˌməʊtə rɪˌflɛks/. The first syllable "viscero" is pronounced as "vi-ser-o," the second syllable "motor" is pronounced as "moh-tor," and the final syllable "reflex" is pronounced as "ree-fleks." This word is commonly used in medical parlance to describe involuntary reactions of the visceral organs, such as the "fight or flight" response.
A visceromotor reflex refers to an involuntary and automatic response of the body that involves the activation or inhibition of the smooth muscles, glands, and other internal organs. These reflexes are mediated by the autonomic nervous system, specifically the visceral efferent fibers that innervate the organs.
The term "visceromotor" combines "visceral" and "motor," reflecting the involvement of the visceral organs and motor responses triggered by these reflexes. These reflexes are crucial for the regulation and maintenance of visceral functions such as digestion, respiration, circulation, and excretion.
Visceromotor reflexes can be triggered by different stimuli, both external and internal. For example, the sight or smell of food can activate reflexes that stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes or increase the peristaltic contractions of the gastrointestinal tract. Conversely, the experience of fear or stress can lead to reflexive inhibition of digestion or increased heart rate and blood pressure.
These reflex arcs involve a sensory receptor that detects the stimulus, which then sends an afferent signal to the central nervous system (CNS). Within the CNS, the signal is processed and integrated, leading to an efferent signal being initiated. This efferent signal travels along the autonomic motor fibers to the effector organs, eliciting the desired response.
Overall, visceromotor reflexes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within the body by coordinating and regulating the activities of internal organs in response to various stimuli.
Contraction of the muscles of the thorax or abdomen in response to a stimulus from one of the contained viscera.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "visceromotor reflex" can be broken down into two parts: "viscero" and "motor reflex".
- "Viscero" is derived from the Latin word "viscus", meaning "organ" or "internal organ". It is used as a combining form to indicate a relationship with the internal organs.
- "Motor reflex" is a compound term that consists of "motor" and "reflex". "Motor" is derived from the Latin word "mōtor", meaning "mover", and it refers to the part of the nervous system associated with movement. "Reflex" comes from the Latin word "reflexus", which means "bent back" or "reflection". In physiology, a reflex is an involuntary and automatic response to a stimulus.