The Brain Reflex System And How It Works
Return to Biology Index
Bobbitt, Ruby Chalmers Elementary School
The students will learn the basic facts about the reflex systems of the brain.
Penlight or flash light
Rubber hammer or special hit with hand.
Bottles (for balance)
Large paper bags
Teacher will explain and demonstrate the procedure of all materials.
The brain is the major commander of body movements. The motor area of the brain
controls the hundreds of different muscles, so that we can run, walk, talk, write,
The brain has many different parts, but today we will concentrate on a part of the
Motor Area Parts
Motor pathways relay messages from the cortex, midbrain, and cerebellum which
commands activity in muscles and glands. The midbrain is the most highly developed
part of the brain.
Motor Apparatus in cells that acts directly on muscles and glands, putting them to
work. These cells carry the brain's commands to the rest of the body.
Brain divisions-Cerebrum -Largest part of the brain. Cerebral Cortex-The twisted,
wrinkled, and knotted surface of the cerebrum Cerebellum-Functions in the control of
all kinds of movement. It "programs" the coordination of the many individual
movements that go to make up actions.
Teacher can explain to the students that there are many ways to enhance their
learning abilities, i.e., playing games. Here are some games that the instructor
The procedure of the games
Eyetoss-Hold a thin sheet of plastic with both hands in front of the eyes, have
someone toss a ball at the persons' eyes. Ask the student to tell the reaction of
Knee Reflex- The student will sit, and another student will hit the sitting students
knee with the side of the hand, or a piece of rubber hose, ask the student to explain
Mirror Game-First darken the room, then ask the student to close his/her eyes for a
few seconds, then open the eyes with a flashlight shining directly in the eyes. Ask
the student to explain the reflex action of the pupil.
Balance- Use a rope to draw an outline of a human body on the classroom floor, then
give each student a sheet of paper which has the names of the body movement of
muscles i.e., brains, spinal cord, nerve spinal cord. Have each student throw and hit
a student on the leg, or arm, and the students to move according to the message sent
back from the brain.
This will truly be a very good learning process.