Georgia State University Unit 6 The Reflex Process Discussion

Understanding a complex idea when you read it is one thing, but if you can get to the point that you can explain that complex idea to someone else so that they really get it, then you’ve truly mastered the material.

In this assignment, you’ll do just that…teach an imaginary person.

***This information will be FAIR GAME for the quiz and the final exam (see objectives in module)***

Directions: Answer the questions that follow in complete sentences and with proper spelling and grammar. You may use your book and notes on this, but write in your own words. Include both citations and references for any outside sources. Make sure to break the material down so that it would be at the appropriate level. Submit your assignment by uploading it as a Word document or PDF.

Here’s the assignment:

1. Describe the concept of a reflex as if you were explaining it to your 14 year-old brother (just go along with it even if you don’t have one). What does this term mean and what’s the point of these? Why do we even have them?
2. Next, describe to him the 5 components of a reflex arc and explain how information travels through each of the parts of the system.
3. Now that he has a basic understanding of the flow of information through a reflex arc, describe a specific reflex, the stretch (patellar) reflex. We’ve all experienced this one at the doctor’s office, but what’s really going on? That’s what he wants to know and it’s your job to teach him. Help him understand the function of this reflex in his body and what is happening in his body when the doctor taps his patellar ligament.