Introduction
In the present paper, we present the findings received in two experiments conducted in class. Both experiments deal with reflexes.
Before we proceed directly to the obtained data, it is necessary to give the general overview about the nature of reflexes. A reflex action is defined as an action involving an involuntary and spontaneous movement (Purves et al. 2004). However, the stimulus is needed to observe the movement. A stimulus can be expressed in several ways – most commonly it presupposes the use of some mechanical force on a particular part of the body.
Materials and Methods
The method used in this report concerns the analysis of the reflexes responses and represents the materialistic method of mental process perception, originating from the materialistic preconditions about the mental and physical integrity of an organism as well as principles of reflex theory (determinism, synthesis vs analysis and structuralism). Materials used during the experiments are described in the Results Section of the paper.
Results
The first experiment has been dedicated to stretching reflexes. The subject was asked to be tested on the reflex responses. The stretch reflexes shed some light on the subject’s integrity of the nervous system. Empirical evidence shows that both decreased and increased reflexes might indicate a problem in nervous system integrity (Purves et al. 2004).
Experiment Stages
The Experiment started with the so called knee jerk reflex. For the experiment, we used a hammer striking lightly the subject’s patellar tendon found below the knee. According to the scale, the response was +2, representing an average small movement at the joint (Picture 1).
Picture 1. Knee jerk reflex
Further, we moved on to the biceps reflex. We were required to press the left thumb on the subject’s biceps tendon and apply some pressure. Then we struck the thumb with the reflex hammer. The forearm did not twitch so that we can state in this respect +0, namely no movement observed representing the usual subject’s response (Picture 2).
Picture 2. Biceps Reflex
The next stage was triceps reflex. In this case, we struck with the hammer at the elbow and we again got practically no subject’s response (Picture 3).
Picture 3. Triceps Reflex
Finally, we test the so-called ankle-jerk reflex. The whole experiment procedure was very similar to the first stage (knee-jerk reflex). We can state that as with first stage there was just a slight movement so we can put +2 (Picture 4).
Picture 4. Ankle-jerk reflex
We also studied cutaneous or skin reflexes. They are activated by receptors on human’s skin and these reflexes are directly linked to the environment for they provide quick responses to the environment changes. Scientifically this can be termed as locomotion. However, cutaneous reflexes are also studied with the respect to possible rehabilitation therapy being enhanced and undergirded by them. This can prove useful in treating patients with gait problems.
Our experiment consisted of two stages. The first stage dealt with plantar reflex. The subject lay on his back. We used the end of the handle of the reflex hammer and we traced a path along the lateral side from heel to the little toe. We see the subject’s toe curling. If the toe curls, it is a normal response testifying that there is no problem with the subject. On the contrary, in case the toe flares, it is a deviation from the norm (Picture 5).
Picture 5. Plantar reflex
The second stage was to detect ciliospinal reflex. We just pinched the subject’s back and could see the dilation of his pupils, which corresponds to the norm. The results are summarized in the Table 1.
Discussion and Conclusion
Such experiments allow a better understanding of the reflex nature. Thus, we have got to know different kinds of reflexes and normal responses to them. As a result of experiment, reflex can be determined as a regular integrate stereotype reaction of the organism on the environmental or inner changes, which is performed at the obligatory participation of the central nervous system. Experiments revealed that the reflex reactions are provided by the unification of interneurons, afferent and efferent neurons composing a reflex arc (Purves 2004). Thus, we can draw an obvious conclusion that reflexes are an indispensable part of complicated regulatory process playing an important role in voluntary and involuntary human activities.
Bibliography
Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, Hall, WC, Lamantia AS, McNamara JO, Williams SM. Neuroscience. Massachusetts: Publishers Sunderland. 3d ed.; 2004.
