Reflexes

Definition

Reflexes are involuntary and nearly instantaneous movements in response to a stimulus. They are critical for protecting the body and maintaining homeostasis, including neurological wellness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reflexes can be categorized as either autonomic (involving smooth muscles and glands) or somatic (involving skeletal muscles).
2. Proper nutrition, particularly adequate levels of vitamins and minerals, is essential for the maintenance of healthy reflex responses.
3. Magnesium plays a crucial role in nerve transmission and muscle contraction, affecting reflexes.
4. Deficiencies in B vitamins, particularly B12, can impair neurological function and weaken reflex responses.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support neurological health and improve reflex time.

Review Questions

• What are the two main categories of reflexes?
• How does magnesium affect reflexes?
• Why are Omega-3 fatty acids important for neurological health?

Related terms

Neurotransmitter: Chemical substances that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Synaptic Plasticity: The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time in response to increases or decreases in their activity.

Myelin Sheath: A layer of fatty tissue that surrounds axons, facilitating rapid transmission of nerve impulses.