Scratch reflex
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The scratch reflex is a reflex transmitted by very sensitive nerve endings near the surface of the skin via the spinal cord, and is a reflex frequently inherited by mammals. The nerve signal includes positioning to pinpoint the location of the itch, and the effect of the reflex is either an affective sensation or even an involuntary action to make a scratching movement that usually relieves the itch. The scratch reflex is a reflex to help an organism protect and rid its body of parasites and other irritants.
In case of intense itch, scratching to relieve it can cause pain, and such pain signals are believed to suppress the itch signals due to a lateral inhibition effect, as the dorsal column system transmits critical sensations much faster than the cruder spinothalamic tract that deals with less accurate types of sensations, such as itch, also at a slower pace.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- includeonly>Palaniappan, S.. "Sci Tech: Scratch reflex", The Hindu, 2004-02-12. Retrieved on 2005-12-16.
- Bernard Spilman. Neurological background: Ascending Spinal Tracts. Neurokinesiology. URL accessed on 2005-12-16.
- Various (October 17, 2005). Why do dogs shake their legs when you scratch their belly?. Google Answers. URL accessed on 2005-12-16.
| This page uses content from the English-language version of Wikipedia. The original article was at Scratch reflex. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Psychology Wiki, the text of Wikipedia is available under the GNU Free Documentation License. |
