Question

select the correct answer.
which action is a reflex action?
a. asking for coffee in a cold climate
b. blinking when light is flashed in the eyes
c. drinking water when thirsty
d. swallowing food
e. taking an exam

Explanation:

A reflex action is an involuntary, automatic response to a stimulus, controlled by the spinal cord (or brainstem) without conscious thought.

• Option A: Asking for coffee is a voluntary, conscious action (social/learned behavior).
• Option B: Blinking when light is flashed is involuntary, a reflex to protect the eyes (stimulus → automatic response, no conscious decision).
• Option C: Drinking water when thirsty is a voluntary action driven by a need, but involves conscious choice.
• Option D: Swallowing food has both reflexive (initial swallowing reflex) and voluntary components, but the option’s context likely refers to voluntary eating/swallowing.
• Option E: Taking an exam is a highly conscious, voluntary action.

Thus, blinking at flashed light is a classic reflex.

Answer:

B. blinking when light is flashed in the eyes