Withdrawal reflex

The withdrawal reflex (nociceptive flexion reflex or flexor withdrawal reflex) is a spinal reflex intended to protect the body from damaging stimuli.[1] The reflex rapidly coordinates the contractions of all the flexor muscles and the relaxations of the extensors in that limb causing sudden withdrawal from the potentially damaging stimulus.[2] Spinal reflexes are often monosynaptic and are mediated by a simple reflex arc. A withdrawal reflex is mediated by a polysynaptic reflex resulting in the stimulation of many motor neurons in order to give a quick response.[3]

  1. ^ Solomon; Schmidt (1990). "13". In Carol, Field (ed.). Human Anatomy & physiology (2 ed.). Saunders College Publishing. p. 470. ISBN 0-03-011914-6.
  2. ^ Pearson & Gordon (2013), Cutaneous Reflexes Produce Complex Movements That Serve Protective and Postural Functions, p. 792
  3. ^ Martin, Elizabeth (2008). A dictionary of biology (6th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 519. ISBN 978-019-920462-5.