Polysynaptic reflex

A polysynaptic reflex involves multiple steps and connections in the nervous system. When a stimulus, like touching something hot, occurs, sensors send signals to the spinal cord. Instead of directly connecting to muscles, the signal passes through one or more interneurons—intermediate nerve cells—that process the information. These interneurons then relay the message to motor neurons, which send commands to muscles to respond, such as pulling your hand away. This complex pathway allows for more flexible, coordinated responses and often involves additional processing, making the reaction more adaptable compared to simpler reflexes with fewer connections.