Question

Which of the following is not a reflex action ?

• A. salivation
• B. sweating
• C. withdrawal of hand when pinched by needle
• D. blinking of eyes

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

withdrawal of hand when pinched by needle

Answer 2

A reflex action is an automatic (involuntary) neuromuscular action elicited by a defined stimulus. A reflex action is mediated via the reflex arc. Sweating is not a reflex action. Sweating (also called perspiration or sometimes transpiration) is the loss of a watery fluid, consisting mainly of sodium chloride (commonly known as salt) and urea in solution, that is secreted by the sweat glands in the skin of mammals. Sweat also consists of the chemicals or odorants 2-methylphenol (o-cresol) and 4-methylphenol (p-cresol). In humans, sweating is primarily a means of temperature regulation.