What makes reflexes “fast”? What is the science behind training reflex speed?
In: Biology
Reflexes are fast because they are an involuntary response that bypasses the conscious part of the brain. It’s governed by the motor cortex, the part of the brain that handles motor functions. Making a conscious decision to duck away to dodge an incoming ball for instance takes time. You have to see the ball, understand what’s happening, estimate the trajectory, decide whether to put your arms up or dodge it or do nothing and then actually do it. This takes way too long. Reflexes don’t bother, your motor cortex just acts before you can even think about what’s happening. This makes it way faster but can cause an involuntary reflex that isn’t appropriate, like getting scared by someone just coming in for a hug and accidentally punching them in the face.
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