Reflex Action And Walking

What is Reflex Action?

In the human body, there are various types of neural activities, among which there is one simple type, which is Reflex Action. This term was introduced into Biology by Marshall Hall, an English Neurologist, in the 19th Century. Reflex action is any involuntary or unplanned action of our boy in response to a stimulus (sudden event giving rise to an action). Reflex action is utilized to talk about an action that does not involve consciousness. The anatomical path of a reflex is described as the reflex arc. The reflex arc contains an afferent nerve along with an efferent nerve. 

What are some examples of reflex action? 

Some examples of reflex actions are –

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Change in the size of the pupil of the eye due to sudden exposure to bright light, etc

What are Voluntary Actions? 

Voluntary Actions refer to those activities or movements of any part of our body that is planned or goal-oriented. As the name suggests, these actions take place according to our choices. The voluntary actions that a human body performs are controlled with the help of cerebrum. Basically, when an action involves thoughts as well as emotions, it is known as a voluntary action. Voluntary actions are never considered as sudden actions, rather they are a result of the thoughts running inside the nervous system. 

What are some examples of Voluntary Actions?

Some examples of voluntary actions are – 

• Walking 
• Reading 
• Singing 

Difference between Reflex Action and Walking

Voluntary and involuntary actions are very different from each other and it is important to know the major points of difference between these two types. 

• Reflex actions generally begin through the stimulus. Stimulus refers to numerous parts such as pain, heat, pressure, touch, light,etc. On the other hand, a voluntary action is initiated with the help of thoughts along with feelings.

• A reflex action is considered as self-protective. This is because of the environment. Whereas a voluntary action is performed to fulfill desired objectives or goals.

• A reflex action involves muscles as well as glands to be performed. A voluntary action is performed only through the muscles.

• The command of a reflex action arrives from the spinal cord along with the autonomic nervous system and the brain. In contrast, the command of a voluntary action comes through the brain only. 

Significance of a reflex action

However, a reflex action is a sudden action. This does not mean that it is bad. Reflex actions tend to protect us from dangerous situations. A reflex action is an unconscious response. This means that a reflex action is an automatic action. A reflex action is not an output of the brain. For example : If you accidentally touch a hot object, you remove your hand quickly without giving any second thought. This quick response from your body acts as your savior. 

Significance of a voluntary action 

Human beings have unfulfilled desires at every point of time. In order to complete these desires and wishes, an individual performs voluntary actions. Without the presence of voluntary actions, no desires would ever get fulfilled. For example: If an individual wants to taste the cake that is kept in front of him, he would be required to put that piece of cake on his plate. This is known as a voluntary action. 

Conclusion 

Studying the different types of neural activities is very important to understanding the human body properly. 

Voluntary and Involuntary are very basic concepts and easy to learn about. Both of these are transmitted by peripheral nerves. Voluntary actions are controlled by the forebrain (Cerebrum) and the involuntary actions are controlled by Hind-brain. Working patterns of Involuntary and Voluntary activities are very different. 

Reflex action, being a type of Involuntary Action, happens suddenly without our choice being involved and it cannot be controlled, but walking is under our control as we can decide when we want to walk. Hence, reflex action and walking are different because walking is a type of voluntary action, whereas reflex action (sneezing, coughing, etc.) is involuntary.