Reflexes That Control the Actions of Smooth Muscles and Glands

Question

Reflexes that control the actions of smooth muscles and glands are classified as ________ reflexes.
A) somatic
B) monosynaptic
C) spinal
D) visceral or autonomic
E) acquired

Accepted Answer

Smooth muscle and gland control are under the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, hence the reflexes that control these actions are referred to as visceral or autonomic reflexes. A is incorrect because somatic reflexes involve skeletal muscle control, B is incorrect as monosynaptic reflexes refer to a reflex arc that involves only one synapse, C is incorrect as spinal reflexes refer to those that occur in the spinal cord, and E is incorrect as acquired reflexes refer to those developed over time through practice or experience.