National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

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The coordinated withdrawal of a limb immediately following a painful stimulus is termed what?

Crossed extensor reflex
Phillipson reflex
Withdrawal reflex
Tendinous reflex

The correct answer is: Phillipson reflex

The response to a painful stimulus that involves the immediate withdrawal of a limb is known as the withdrawal reflex. This reflex serves as a protective mechanism, helping to minimize potential harm from injury. When a painful stimulus, such as touching a hot surface, is detected, sensory neurons transmit the signal to the spinal cord. In response, interneurons in the spinal cord activate motor neurons that lead to the contraction of the muscles in the affected limb, resulting in a quick withdrawal. This reflex action is primarily mediated by the spinal cord and occurs independently of conscious thought, enabling a faster reaction time compared to a reflex involving the brain. The crossed extensor reflex complements the withdrawal reflex by maintaining balance; when one limb withdraws, the opposite limb extends to support the body. The other terms, such as the Phillipson reflex and the tendinous reflex, refer to different physiological responses and do not accurately describe the immediate withdrawal of a limb due to painful stimuli. Thus, the correct understanding of the withdrawal reflex is essential in appreciating how the body reacts to harmful scenarios swiftly and effectively.