MadSci Network: Anatomy |
What is the difference between a reflex and a reaction? Hi , This is a great question ! The first point that one might consider is that a reflex is commonly thought of a response that can not be controlled or regulated. A good example of a reflex is when you receive a tap on the tendon just below the knee cap and the bottom part of you leg kicks out. There are many examples, such as when a piece of dirt is in your eye you start to blink even when you don’t think about blinking. One might also think the REFLEX of blinking is a RESPONSE to the dirt in the eye. I guess the easiest way to explain the difference for common use related to a stimulus is that a reflex is a type of response but one we do not have to think about. A reflex is one type of response. But you can see the terms might be confusing when used in a different way. Think about you fall and get a black and blue bruise on your leg. The bruise is a response to the fall on your leg. You did not have to think about making a bruise but it is not really considered a reflex since it is not a motor movement. According to www.dictionary.com there are some other uses of the terms ‘response’ and ‘reflex’ that you might be interested in. re·flex adj. 1. Bent, turned, or thrown back; reflected. 2. Physiology. Being an involuntary action or response, such as a sneeze, blink, or hiccup. 3. Produced as an automatic response or reaction: reflex opposition to change. noun 1. Something, such as light or heat, that is reflected. An image produced by reflection. A copy or reproduction. 2. Physiology. An involuntary response to a stimulus. 3. Psychology. An unlearned or instinctive response to a stimulus. 4. Linguistics. A form or feature that reflects or represents an earlier, often reconstructed, form or feature having undergone phonetic or other change. re·sponse noun 1. The act of responding. 2. A reply or an answer. 3. A reaction, as that of an organism or a mechanism, to a specific stimulus. 4. Ecclesiastical. Something that is spoken or sung by a congregation or choir in answer to the officiating minister or priest. A responsory.
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