Question

How are involuntary actions and reflex actions different from each other?

Answer 1

An involuntary action is the set of muscular movements which is not under our conscious control. The part of the brain called the Medulla oblongata controls these actions. For eg - the beating of the heart. A reflex action is a rapid and spontaneous action in response to any stimulus. When sudden responses are required, instructions are given mostly by the spinal cord itself. So a reflex action is an involuntary action performed by muscles mostly under the direction of the spinal cord in response to the stimulus. Often, impulses reach the brain only after that. Later conscious responses are made. For example - touching a hot pan accidentally and retracting your hand.