Reflex Lab Analysis

In this lab, we were able to test out the some of the different reflexes on our body. A reflex is a rapid, predictable, and involuntary response to stimuli. The reflex arc is the pathway of nerve impulses that do not go to the brain. The different reflex experiments that we did relate to what we learned because neurons transmit the signal that goes straight to the spinal cord, then back out to the area of the body reacting to the stimulator. 

Photopupillary Reflex
From the results obtained from this experiment, the concept that the pupil is controlled by autonomic reflexes was confirmed. In this experiment, one partner covered his/her eye for approximately two minutes. After the time went by, the partner uncovered his/her eye and the other observed as the pupil, which was large after being in the dark, quickly shrunk in size to adjust to the bright light. This occurred because photoreceptors in the eye were able to sense the amount of light, which allowed the autonomic reflexes to take over. 

Knee Jerk Reflex (Patellar Reflex)
Based on the results gained from this experiment, the idea that the monosynaptic reflex causes the lower leg to kick out was confirmed. In this experiment, one partner sat on a high table, while the other partner hit the other's leg until the correct spot was hit. When the spot was hit with the correct amount of pressure and accuracy, the leg of the person sitting would involuntarily kick out. This reflex occurred because the mechanoreceptor on the knee was able to quickly take in this signal and send it to the spinal cord, where it was able to be transferred to a motor neuron back to the knee, allowing it to kick out. After the initial test, one of the partners did 30 squats to experiment how it would affect the reflex. The reflex after doing the squats was much more vigorous than the first time. The extra blood flow in the muscles by them being warmed up by the squats allowed for a more severe reaction to the reflex. This feature could have helped back when humans lived in the wild and needed to react quickly and more vigorous when they were on the run. 

Blink Reflex
Based off of the information obtained from this experiment, the idea that people blink as a reflex was confirmed. In this experiment, one partner held up a piece of plastic wrap in front of their face, while the other threw a cotton ball at them. When the cotton was thrown, the partner blinked immediately, supporting the idea that blinking is a reflex since it was done involuntarily. This reflex allows the eye to protect itself without having to really react so it will better protect the eyes.

Babe, what's your sign?
From the results gained from this experiment, it was confirmed that the plantar reflex causes the toes on the foot to curl as a result from a stimuli. In this experiment, a pen was rubbed down the bottom of an individual's foot. As a result, the toes involuntarily curled, supporting the idea that this is a reflex. This supports it because the toes curled, showing that the nerves there are sensitive and allow this reflex to occur.

How Fast are You?
In this experiment, the idea that texting while performing an activity lowers proficiency was confirmed. In this experiment, a ruler was dropped above the open hand of an individual, and it was timed to see how fast they were able to react to the dropping of the ruler. In the second part of the experiment, the individual sent a text on his/her phone while they still had to react to the dropping of the ruler. In the controlled experiment, my average reaction time was .13 seconds. However, with the phone as a distraction, it was .22 seconds. This .7 second difference between experiments supports the idea that texting decreases performance. This also correlates to texting and driving, supporting the commonly known idea of not to text and drive, as it decreases one's reaction time.