What is the role of interneurons in polysynaptic reflexes?
They detect stimuli from muscles and other tissues
They send signals to the appropriate motor neurons
They direct signals from the afferent neurons to the adequate motor neurons
They are not involved in the reflex arc
In polysynaptic reflexes, interneurons play an important role in directing signals from the afferent (sensory) neurons to the appropriate motor neurons. The body of the sensory neuron is located within the spinal ganglion and receives stimuli from muscles and other tissues. The afferent neuron then sends signals via its axon to interneurons located in the gray matter of the spinal cord. These interneurons direct these signals to the adequate motor neurons of their specific spinal cord segments, as well as adjacent and distant motor neurons. This means that the communication between the afferent and efferent (motor) neurons is indirect, and interneurons act as intermediaries in the reflex arc.
Option c is the correct answer.