Q and A: Structural vs. Functional Aspect of a Reflex

[Guest guest]

QUESTION: What does it mean to have a structural aspect and a functional aspect of a reflex?ANSWER: (From Svetlana) The structural aspect of the reflex is the reflex circuit - the sensory motor pattern and then the response.  The functional aspect of a reflex is the purpose(s) or function(s) the reflex serves.  For example with ATNR, the structural aspect is how the body posture must work: when the head is turned (at a certain age), the reaction must be lengthening of the limbs on the same side the head is turned towards and flexion of the limbs on the opposite side.  This is the only correction action for the reflex and this is what is considered the structural aspect.  The functional aspect of ATNR is to stimulate the vestibular, proprioceptive, and auditory systems.

Val