Involuntary action and reflex action are different in the following ways:
Involuntary action |
Reflex action |
These are actions performed with one’s conscious will |
These are quick automatic responses carried out by voluntary muscles |
These actions are regulated by the brain |
These actions are regulated by the spinal cord |
These actions are performed throughout one’s life |
These actions produced in response to an event of an emergency |
This action may be quick or slow |
Always quick |
For instance – the beating of the heart is an involuntary action |
For instance – immediate withdrawal of hands upon touching a hot cup of tea |