How Do You Spell DORSAL REFLEX?

1. Dorsal reflex refers to a neurological response or involuntary reaction that occurs as a result of a stimulus applied to the dorsal aspect of the body. The term "dorsal" refers to the backside or posterior aspect of an organism, while "reflex" denotes an automatic response to a sensory input.

   In vertebrates, the dorsal reflex involves the activation of sensory receptors located on the dorsal surface of the body, such as the skin, muscles, or tendons. When these receptors are stimulated, they transmit signals through sensory neurons to the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS then processes and interprets these signals, leading to a motor response that is sent back through motor neurons to the effector organs, such as muscles or glands.

   The characteristic feature of a dorsal reflex is that the motor response is directed away from the stimulus, originating from the dorsal surface. This means that the resulting contraction or movement occurs on the ventral (front) side of the body. For example, if an individual experiences a sensory input on their back, the dorsal reflex may cause the abdominal muscles to contract or the individual to bend forward, away from the stimuli.

   Dorsal reflexes play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and coordination of an organism's movements. They contribute to various bodily functions, including protection against harmful stimuli, postural adjustments, and general movement control.

2. Contraction of the spinal muscles when the skin of the region is irritated.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for DORSAL REFLEX

The etymology of the word "dorsal reflex" can be understood by breaking it down into its components.

The term "dorsal" refers to the back or posterior side of an organism. It comes from the Latin word "dorsum", which means "back".

The term "reflex" refers to an involuntary or automatic response to a stimulus. It comes from the Latin word "reflexus", which means "bent back" or "reflected".

Thus, when these two terms are combined, "dorsal reflex" refers to an automatic response or reaction originating from the back or dorsal side of an organism. It is commonly used in the context of the nervous system, where certain stimuli can trigger reflex actions that occur without conscious thought.