Spinal reflex (r.spinales) is a group of reflexes that arise when the spinal cord and its roots are irritated. They play an important role in regulating the functioning of internal organs, as well as maintaining balance and coordination of movements.
Spinal reflexes are divided into two groups: exteroceptive and interoceptive. Exteroceptive reflexes occur when the skin, muscles and joints are affected, and interoceptive reflexes occur when internal organs are irritated.
Spinal exteroceptive reflexes include the skin, tendon and muscle reflexes. The skin reflex occurs when the skin is touched and consists of contraction of the muscles that are located near the site of irritation. The tendon reflex occurs when a tendon is stretched and causes the muscle that is attached to that tendon to contract. The muscle reflex occurs when a muscle contracts and causes a reflex contraction of another muscle.
Spinal interoceptive reflexes include reflexes of the cardiovascular system, digestive system, respiratory system and others. For example, the cardiovascular system reflex occurs when blood pressure changes and causes a narrowing or dilation of blood vessels. Reflexes of the digestive system include salivation, secretion of gastric juice, intestinal motility and others. Breathing reflexes are associated with changes in the level of carbon dioxide in the blood and cause the airways to widen or narrow.
Thus, spinal reflexes play an important role in maintaining human health and regulating the functioning of internal organs. They allow us to maintain balance and coordination of movements, and also respond to changes in the environment.