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A comparison of flexor and extensor reflexes of muscular origin
Author(s) -
Fuortes M. G. F.,
Hubel D. H.
Publication year - 1956
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.1956.sp005599
Subject(s) - citation , reflex , information retrieval , computer science , psychology , library science , neuroscience
Whereas extensor muscles of decerebrate mammalian preparations usually present both phasic and tonic reflex contraction to stretch (Liddell & Sherrington, 1925), flexor muscles present phasic stretch reflexes only (Asayama, 1916). Under anaesthesia or during spinal shock (Creed, Denny-Brown, Eccles, Liddell & Sherrington, 1932, p. 51), tonic stretch reflexes are lost while phasic responses are maintained. Extensor and flexor muscles then respond in a similar way to applied stretch. The present research was undertaken with the purpose of identifying the processes responsible for this difference between flexor and extensor pathways. This appeared to be a convenient way of approaching an understanding of the central events which underlie the development of sustained reflex responses.