The inhibition of an antagonistic muscle so that the agonist can do the intended movement is due to
A)crossed-extensor reflex.
B)monosynaptic reflex.
C)reciprocal innervation.
D)flaccid paralysis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reciprocal innervation is the mechanism by which the activation of a muscle is accompanied by the inhibition of its antagonist, allowing for smooth and coordinated movements. This is achieved through the action of interneurons in the spinal cord that receive signals from both the sensory neurons that detect the stretch of the agonist muscle and the higher centers that control movement. In turn, these interneurons send inhibitory signals to the motor neurons that innervate the antagonist muscle, leading to its relaxation or reduced activation. The other choices are not relevant to this process: A refers to the reflex that coordinates the opposing actions of flexor and extensor muscles during a withdrawal response; B refers to the activation of a single synapse between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron, such as the knee-jerk reflex; D refers to the loss of muscle tone and reflexes that occurs in conditions affecting the lower motor neurons or neuromuscular junctions, such as polio or myasthenia gravis.

The Inhibition of an Antagonistic Muscle So That the Agonist