Reflexogenous Zone

an area of special receptors in the body that elicit specific unconditioned reflexes when stimulated. For example, stimulation of the mucosa of the nasopharynx elicits a sneezing reflex, and stimulation of the tracheae and bronchi elicits a coughing reflex.

Reflexogenous zones on the skin surface may overlap, and as a result, the stimulation of a particular area of the skin may elicit alternating reflexes, depending on the force of the stimulation and the condition of the central nervous system. Complex reflexogenous zones are present in internal organs, where they participate in the reflex regulation of the activity of these organs; for example, stimulation of the baroreceptors of the aortic arch and the carotid sinus elicits depressor reflexes, which lower blood pressure and reduce heartbeat. A reflex response to the stimulation of a reflexogenous zone can sometimes be inhibited by nerve centers that are not associated with the particular reflex.

Reflexogenous zones are part of the structural organization of only certain unconditioned reflexes because conditioned reflexes do not have stable reflex arcs. The formation of reflexogenous zones is determined by the hereditary organization of the nervous system and the maturation of the nervous system during the organism’s development.