The Schmidt reflex is a reflex that occurs in response to irritation of skin receptors. It was discovered by German physiologist Karl Schmidt in 1865.
The Schmidt reflex consists of the following stages:
– Irritation of skin receptors (for example, touching the skin).
– Signal transmission to the spinal cord.
– Excitation of nerve cells of the spinal cord.
– Transmission of excitation through motor neurons to muscles.
- Muscle contraction.
This reflex is used in medicine to diagnose diseases of the nervous system and test the reflex function of muscles. In addition, the Schmidt reflex can be used in sports to assess the condition of muscles and their readiness for stress.
However, like any other reflex, the Schmidt reflex is not universal and can vary depending on the state of the body. For example, with certain diseases of the nervous system or with long-term use of medications, the reflex may worsen or disappear completely.
Thus, the Schmidt reflex is an important tool for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system, as well as for assessing the readiness of muscles for physical activity.