Final answer:
True. Input from the brain is required in spinal reflexes. While some reflexes can occur at the spinal cord level without involving the brain, most spinal reflexes do require input from the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. Input from the brain is required in spinal reflexes.
While some reflexes can occur at the spinal cord level without involving the brain, most spinal reflexes do require input from the brain. The brain provides modulatory signals that can either enhance or inhibit the reflex response. Additionally, the brain receives information from reflexes through interneurons in the spinal cord, allowing it to be aware of the reflex action that took place.
For example, in the knee reflex (patellar reflex), the sensory information about the tap on the knee travels through the sensory neurons to the spinal cord. In the spinal cord, this sensory information is relayed to the brain through interneurons. The brain processes this information and sends motor signals back to the muscle of the knee, causing it to contract and extend the leg.