How reflexes work faster than messages to the brain.
- A heavy book
- At least one person to surprise
- Surprise a friend of family member by tossing a large book onto the floor.
- What happens when it goes SLAM? Did your friend or family member: twitch, move his or her head, blink, put up his or her hands, or scream?
- If he or she did any of those, you just demonstrated a reflex.
The body reacts automatically, just like when you instantly move your hand if you touch a hot stove. You move even before the "Hey, my hand is on a hot, burning stove!" message gets to your brain. Thank you, reflexes!
The Brain Is the Boss
Reviewed by: Eric H. Chudler, PhD