Drive-controlled reflexes: A theory

Abstract

Drive-controlled (higher) reflexes are divided in two ways: (i) according to the controlling drive into pain, fear and appetite reflexes; (ii) according to the manner of drive elimination into type A and type B reflexes. A type A reflex simply removes the evoking stimulus, whereas a type B reflex provides a drive-inhibiting stimulus. According to different functions performed in an organism, reflexes are grouped into several systems.