Final answer:
Reflexes are included in physical and neurological exams for assessing an individual's health due to their ability to provide important information about the nervous system and serve as a quick and non-invasive assessment tool.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reflexes are limited circuits within the somatic system, but they are still included in physical and neurological exams to test the health of an individual for several reasons:
- Reflexes provide important information about the integrity and functioning of the nervous system. Abnormal reflexes can indicate underlying neurological disorders or injuries.
- Reflex testing is a quick and non-invasive way to assess the state of the patient's nervous system. It can help identify any potential issues that may require further investigation.
- Reflex testing can also serve as a baseline for monitoring the progress of a patient's condition or the effectiveness of a treatment.
Therefore, despite their limitations, reflexes play a valuable role in assessing an individual's health.