Question

chapter 14 check your understanding question 5
1 part | -- of 1 point

what differentiates an autonomic reflex from a somatic reflex?

○ presence of a sensory receptor
○ a two - neuron motor pathway
○ a single sensory neuron in the sensory pathway
○ an integration center

Explanation:

To determine the difference between autonomic and somatic reflexes:

• "presence of a sensory receptor": Both reflexes have sensory receptors, so this is not a differentiator.
• "a two - neuron motor pathway": Autonomic reflexes have a two - neuron (preganglionic and postganglionic) motor pathway, while somatic reflexes have a single - neuron motor pathway from the CNS to the effector. This is a key difference.
• "a single sensory neuron in the sensory pathway": Both types of reflexes typically have a single sensory neuron in the sensory pathway, so this is not a differentiator.
• "an integration center": Both reflexes have an integration center (usually in the CNS), so this is not a differentiator.

Answer:

B. a two - neuron motor pathway