Question

Which one of the following is the complex reflex activity?

• A. Swallowing the food bolus is a complex reflex activity controlled by olfactory lobe of brain
• B. Chewing is controlled by somatic nerves, which is complex reflex activity.
• C. Swallowing the food bolus is a complex reflex activity controlled by medulla oblongata.
• D. Secretion of saliva is a conditional reflex activity.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Swallowing the food bolus is a complex reflex activity controlled by medulla oblongata.

Reflex actions are involuntary actions that are either performed when learnt or innately performed. A complex reflex action is made up of a polysynaptic pathway, wherein, more than one synaptic junctions are involved. Swallowing of food bolus is a reflex activity that involves a polysynaptic pathway and is under reflexive or involuntary control. This stage of the swallow begins after food which has been masticated has been gathered together in the mouth and formed into a bolus which is passed from the posterior tongue. It is controlled by medulla oblongata.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Swallowing the food bolus is a complex reflex activity controlled by the medulla oblongata'.