Question

Classify the following actions as simple reflex or conditioned reflex:

1. Playing the guitar.
2. Removing your hand suddenly when pricked by a thorn.
3. Applying brakes suddenly when a dog crosses the path.
4. Blinking of eyelids on exposure to light.
5. Tying one’s shoelace.

Answer 1

Reflex

1. A reflex action is a sudden, involuntary, unplanned response given to a stimulus. It may or may not involve the brain.
2. For a reflex action to occur, a sensory neuron, a connector or relay neuron, and a motor neuron is required.
3. Reflexes are divided into two categories- unconditioned and conditioned reflexes.

Conditioned reflex

1. A conditioned reflex is acquired during the lifetime and is not constant.
2. Examples- Playing a musical instrument, salivation on smelling tasty food.

Unconditioned reflex

1. Unconditioned reflexes are present since birth and do not require us to develop a habit for them.
2. Examples- Salivation of a newborn baby on tasting milk.

Classification of given actions

1. Conditioned reflex

1. Playing the guitar.

3. Applying brakes suddenly when a dog crosses the path.

5. Tying one’s shoelace.

2. Unconditioned reflex

2. Removing your hand suddenly when pricked by a thorn.

4. Blinking of eyelids on exposure to light.