023 How Reflexes Work (Knee jerk and eye blink)

In this video, Leslie Samuel discusses reflexes, focusing on the knee jerk and eye blink reflexes. He demonstrates these reflexes with his wife, Marguerite, and explains the underlying mechanisms. The knee jerk reflex is a simple reflex arc with no interneurons, leading to automatic responses. The eye blink reflex involves an interneuron, allowing more control. The video concludes with an invitation for questions.

What is meant by a 'simple reflex arc'?

Why is the knee jerk reflex considered involuntary?

Discuss how doctors use reflex tests to assess the nervous system.