Refleksireaktiot

Refleksireaktiot, also known as reflex actions, are involuntary responses to stimuli that occur automatically and rapidly. They are mediated by the peripheral nervous system and the spinal cord, bypassing the brain. These reactions are crucial for the body's survival and immediate response to changes in the environment. Common examples include the knee-jerk reflex, where tapping the patellar tendon causes the leg to extend, and the pupillary reflex, where light causes the pupils to constrict. Reflex actions are essential for maintaining homeostasis, such as regulating body temperature and blood pressure. They are also important in protecting the body from harm, as seen in the withdrawal reflex when touching a hot object. Despite their simplicity, reflex actions are fundamental to the body's overall functioning and are a key area of study in physiology and neuroscience.