Reflexes and reactions are the same.

Reflexes and reactions are the same.

• A. True
• B. Sometimes
• C. Not related
• D. False

Answer: (D)

Reflexes are automatic, involuntary responses to a stimulus, usually mediated by a reflex arc that often travels through the spinal cord and requires no conscious thought. Reactions are intentional, voluntary responses to a stimulus that involve processing in the brain, decision-making, and planning, so they take longer and can be adjusted with practice. Because of these differences, they are not the same. For example, the knee-jerk response is a reflex; choosing to move your hand away from a hot surface is a reaction that you consciously decide to perform. Reflexes tend to be rapid and stereotyped; reactions depend on attention and can vary with strategy or learning.

Reflexes are automatic, involuntary responses to a stimulus, usually mediated by a reflex arc that often travels through the spinal cord and requires no conscious thought. Reactions are intentional, voluntary responses to a stimulus that involve processing in the brain, decision-making, and planning, so they take longer and can be adjusted with practice. Because of these differences, they are not the same. For example, the knee-jerk response is a reflex; choosing to move your hand away from a hot surface is a reaction that you consciously decide to perform. Reflexes tend to be rapid and stereotyped; reactions depend on attention and can vary with strategy or learning.