Question

Sometimes the reflex response is diminished or absent- a phenomenon termed hyporeflexia. Do you think hyporeflexia would be caused by disorders of the central nervous system or the peripheral nervous system? Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

Answer:

The functions of the skeletal muscles are affected by the CNS via the two sets of neurons, that is, lower motor neuron and upper motor neurons. The PNS comprises sensory neurons and motor neurons. The lower motor neuron is monitored by the upper motor neuron.  

Hyporeflexia occurs because of the dysfunction of the lower motor neuron or its lesion. The lower motor neurons refer to the neurons, which innervate the skeletal muscles directly. Destruction to the central nervous system leads to hyper reflexes and destruction to the peripheral nervous system results in hyporeflexia.