In Human Physio class, on reflex class, we learned the
Double reciprocal reflex (someone step on something sharp...)
The question is, would the reflex be present after upper spinal
cord transection?
The argument is;
a) Yes, it is a reflex and will ocurr regardless to transection,
b) No. There are no detectors to sense the sharp object (in
knee jerk, the spindles are the detectors).
If the thalamus (pain) is the detector, then is it
still called reflex?
I thought I knew, but guess not...
Jeung-Woon
Boston U