Which of the following is NOT an example of reflex action by our nervous system?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Raju smells smoke in his house and runs out of home to save himself.
A reflex action is an automatic, sudden, and involuntary response of the body to a stimulus. It happens without conscious thought and is usually handled by the spinal cord through a "reflex arc" to ensure a fast reaction for protection.
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The Smoke Scenario (Raju): While smelling smoke is a stimulus, "running out of the house" involves conscious decision-making. Raju has to perceive the smell, interpret it as a danger, and then choose a path to exit. This involves the cerebrum (the thinking part of the brain), making it a voluntary action rather than a reflex.
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The Sweet Dish (Puja): Salivation at the sight or smell of food is a conditioned reflex. It is an involuntary physiological response of the autonomic nervous system.
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Hot Plate/Icy Glass (Ravi and Rakesh): These are classic protective reflexes. When sensory neurons in the skin detect extreme temperatures, they send a signal to the spinal cord, which immediately triggers motor neurons to pull the hand away before the brain even processes the sensation of pain.