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spinal reflex

an automatic response controlled solely by neural circuits in the spinal cord, often relating to posture or locomotion. They are sometimes classed as segmental reflexes, if the circuit involves only one segment of the spinal cord, or as intersegmental reflexes, if the impulses must travel through more than one spinal segment. Reflexes that require brain activity are suprasegmental reflexes.

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Psychology term of the day

February 22nd 2025

imaging

imaging

n.

1. the process of scanning the brain or other organs or tissues to obtain an optical image that can be used for medical and research purposes, such as locating abnormalities or studying anatomy and function. Techniques used include computed tomography, positron emission tomography (PET), anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (aMRI), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The imaging may be either static or dynamic. See also brain imaging; nuclear imaging.

2. in therapy, the use of suggested mental images to control body function, including the easing of pain. See also imagery technique; visualization.