
pain reflex
A pain reflex is an automatic response your body makes to protect you from injury. When you experience painful stimuli, such as touching something hot or sharp, sensory nerves send signals to your spinal cord and brain. Your spinal cord quickly processes this information and immediately triggers a muscle contraction to withdraw the affected part, like pulling your hand away. This reflex happens almost instantly, often before you even consciously realize the injury. It’s a built-in safety mechanism designed to minimize damage and help you respond rapidly to harmful situations.