Long reflexes regulating GI function differ from short reflexes in which of the following ways?
Short reflexes involve the local GI nerve plexus
The effectors of short reflexes are GI tract smooth muscle and glands
Long reflexes involve autonomic efferent neurons
Long reflexes originate from chemoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, or osmoreceptors
The correct answer is:
Long reflexes involve autonomic efferent neurons.
Explanation:
Long reflexes and short reflexes are two types of neural pathways that regulate gastrointestinal (GI) function.
Short reflexes are local reflexes that occur entirely within the wall of the GI tract. They involve the enteric nervous system, which is a network of nerves located within the wall of the GI tract. These reflexes are responsible for controlling local functions of the GI tract, such as peristalsis and secretion of digestive enzymes. The effectors of short reflexes are the smooth muscles of the GI tract and the glands that secrete digestive juices.
On the other hand, long reflexes are reflexes that involve the central nervous system. They require the involvement of autonomic efferent neurons, which are part of the autonomic nervous system. These reflexes originate from sensory receptors in organs outside of the GI tract, such as chemoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, or osmoreceptors. These sensory receptors detect changes in the internal environment or the presence of food in the stomach, for example. Long reflexes then transmit this information to the central nervous system, which then sends signals back to the GI tract via autonomic efferent neurons to initiate appropriate responses.
Therefore, the main difference between long reflexes and short reflexes is that long reflexes involve autonomic efferent neurons, while short reflexes involve the local GI nerve plexus and the effectors of short reflexes are the GI tract smooth muscle and glands.