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Ch. 13 The Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and Spinal Reflexes
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 11th EditionCh. 13 The Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and Spinal ReflexesProblem 11
Chapter 13, Problem 11

The reflexes that control the most rapid, stereotyped motor responses to stimuli are
(a) Monosynaptic reflexes
(b) Polysynaptic reflexes
(c) Tendon reflexes
(d) Extensor reflexes

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand what a reflex is — a reflex is an automatic, rapid motor response to a stimulus that does not require conscious thought.
Step 2: Identify the types of reflexes mentioned: monosynaptic reflexes involve a single synapse between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron, while polysynaptic reflexes involve one or more interneurons between sensory and motor neurons.
Step 3: Recognize that monosynaptic reflexes are the fastest because the signal passes through only one synapse, minimizing delay.
Step 4: Know that tendon reflexes (like the patellar reflex) are examples of monosynaptic reflexes, which are rapid and stereotyped responses to stretch stimuli.
Step 5: Conclude that the reflexes controlling the most rapid, stereotyped motor responses are monosynaptic reflexes, as they provide the quickest pathway for reflex action.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Monosynaptic Reflexes

Monosynaptic reflexes involve a direct connection between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron, allowing for the fastest and simplest reflex responses. An example is the knee-jerk reflex, which is rapid and stereotyped, making it essential for quick motor reactions.
Recommended video:
3:37
Stretch Reflex

Polysynaptic Reflexes

Polysynaptic reflexes involve one or more interneurons between sensory and motor neurons, resulting in slower and more complex responses. These reflexes can integrate multiple inputs and produce coordinated motor outputs, unlike monosynaptic reflexes.
Recommended video:
3:01
Tendon Reflex

Tendon Reflexes

Tendon reflexes, such as the Golgi tendon reflex, help regulate muscle tension to prevent damage. They are typically polysynaptic and involve sensory receptors in tendons that detect changes in muscle force, contributing to muscle relaxation rather than rapid motor responses.
Recommended video:
3:01
Tendon Reflex
Related Practice
Textbook Question

The contraction of flexor muscles and the relaxation of extensor muscles illustrate the principle of

(a) Reverberating circuitry

(b) Generalized facilitation

(c) Reciprocal inhibition

(d) Reinforcement

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Textbook Question

The synapsing of several neurons on the same postsynaptic neuron is called

(a) Serial processing

(b) Reverberation

(c) Divergence

(d) Convergence

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Textbook Question

Proceeding deep from the most superficial structure, number the following in the correct sequence:

(a) _____ walls of vertebral canal

(b) _____ dura mater

(c) _____ subdural space

(d) _____ epidural space

(e) _____ pia mater

(f) _____ arachnoid membrane

(g) _____ subarachnoid space

(h) _____ spinal cord

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Textbook Question

The major nerve of the cervical plexus that innervates the diaphragm is the

(a) Median nerve

(b) Axillary nerve

(c) Phrenic nerve

(d) Common fibular nerve

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Textbook Question

Reflex arcs in which the sensory stimulus and the motor response occur on the same side of the body are:

(a) Contralateral

(b) Paraesthetic

c) Ipsilateral

(d) Monosynaptic.

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Textbook Question

The genitofemoral, femoral, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves are major nerves of the

(a) Lumbar plexus

(b) Sacral plexus

(c) Brachial plexus

(d) Cervical plexus

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