AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A somatic reflex is an involuntary response to a stimulus, such as pulling one’s hand away after touching a hot stove. The nervous system is split into the central nervous system (i.e., the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (i.e., nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord).

Detailed explanation-2: -If you touch something that is very hot, your hand moves away quickly before you even feel the pain. You don’t have to think about it because the response is a reflex that does not involve the brain. A reflex is a rapid, unlearned, involuntary (automatic) response to a stimulus (change in the environment).

Detailed explanation-3: -Coughing, yawning and blinking of eyes are examples of reflex actions.

Detailed explanation-4: -For example, if you put your hand on a hot stove, a reflex causes you to immediately remove your hand before a “Hey, this is hot!” message even gets to your brain. Other protective reflexes are blinking when something flies toward your eyes or raising your arm if a ball is thrown your way.

Detailed explanation-5: -An important reflex initiated by cutaneous receptors and pain receptors is the flexor reflex. We have all experienced this reflex after accidentally touching a hot stove or a sharp object, as we withdraw our hand even before we consciously experience the sensation of pain.