Asked by Mikhal Gulley on Apr 23, 2024
Verified
Compared to a somatic reflex, an autonomic reflex utilizes
A) one motor neuron plus cardiac and smooth muscle and glands as effectors.
B) one motor neuron plus skeletal muscles as effectors.
C) two motor neurons plus cardiac and smooth muscle and glands as effectors.
D) two motor neurons plus skeletal muscles as effectors.
E) three motor neurons plus skeletal muscles as effectors.
Somatic Reflex
An automatic response of the body that involves the reflex arcs mediated at the level of the spinal cord without conscious control.
Autonomic Reflex
An involuntary response mediated by the autonomic nervous system to maintain homeostasis, such as the reflex that controls heart rate.
Motor Neuron
Neuron that innervates skeletal, smooth, or cardiac muscle fibers.
- Understand the distinct and combined functions of preganglionic and postganglionic neurons within autonomic reflexes.
Verified Answer
MB
Mainak Bhattacharyya8 days ago
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Autonomic reflexes involve two motor neurons in their pathways. The first neuron is a preganglionic neuron that synapses with a second, postganglionic neuron, which then innervates the target effector organs: cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, or glands. This is in contrast to somatic reflexes, which typically involve a single motor neuron that directly innervates skeletal muscle.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the distinct and combined functions of preganglionic and postganglionic neurons within autonomic reflexes.