What is a monosynaptic reflex?

• A. A reflex arc that involves multiple synapses and interneurons.
• B. A reflex arc that requires conscious thought to initiate.
• C. A reflex arc that involves only one synapse between the sensory and motor neurons.
• D. A reflex arc that bypasses the central nervous system entirely.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of a reflex arc, which is the neural pathway that controls a reflex action.
2. Identify the components of a reflex arc: sensory neuron, motor neuron, and sometimes interneurons.
3. Recognize that a monosynaptic reflex involves only two neurons: a sensory neuron and a motor neuron, with a single synapse between them.
4. Contrast this with polysynaptic reflexes, which involve one or more interneurons and multiple synapses.
5. Understand that monosynaptic reflexes are typically faster because they involve fewer synapses, such as the knee-jerk reflex.