Which nerves are involved in reflexes?

The pathway that a reflex follows (reflex arc) does not directly involve the brain. The pathway consists of the sensory nerve to the spinal cord, the nerve connections in the spinal cord, and the motor nerves back to the muscle. Doctors test reflexes to determine whether all parts of this pathway are functioning.

How does the nervous system affect reflexes?

Nervous system – Reflexes A reflex action often involves a very simple nervous pathway called a reflex arc. A reflex arc starts off with receptors being excited. They then send signals along a sensory neuron to your spinal cord, where the signals are passed on to a motor neuron.

What are the 5 components a reflex test?

Reflex Arc Components. Most reflex arcs have five main components: receptors, sensory neurons, interneurons, motor neurons and muscles. However, not all reflexes use interneurons.

What do reflex tests show?

If you think you have brisk reflexes you can ask your doctor for a reflex test. This test helps determine how effective your nervous system is by assessing the reaction between your motor pathways and sensory responses. During the test, your doctor may tap your knees, biceps, fingers, and ankles.

Why do we test reflexes?

Reflex testing contributes to accurate bedside diagnosis in many cases of neuromuscular disease, providing localising diagnostic information that cannot be obtained by any other method (including clinical neurophysiological and neuroradiological investigations).

What part of the nervous system controls reflexes?

In addition to regulating the voluntary movements of the body, the somatic nervous system is also responsible for a specific type of involuntary muscle responses known as reflexes, controlled by a neural pathway known as the reflex arc.

What does reflex mean in lab tests?

Reflex testing occurs when an initial test result meets pre-determined criteria (e.g., positive or outside normal parameters), and the primary test result is inconclusive without the reflex or follow-up test. It is performed automatically without the intervention of the ordering physician.