Which of these is NOT an example of reflex action

Analyze the question: We need the option that is NOT a reflex action. The other four should be automatic, involuntary responses.

Concept: A reflex action is a rapid, automatic, involuntary response to a stimulus. It does not involve conscious thought and usually passes through the spinal cord (or lower brain) without waiting for the cerebrum to decide.

The pathway is: Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory neuron → Spinal cord (relay neuron) → Motor neuron → Effector → Response

A voluntary action, on the other hand, is consciously controlled by the cerebrum.

Checking each option:

• A. Walking: This is a voluntary action. You decide to start, stop, change speed, and change direction. It is controlled by the cerebrum (with coordination from the cerebellum). It is not a reflex.
• B. Banging of feet on an object (stubbing the toe or the foot withdrawing): When the foot hits an object, the withdrawal and response happen automatically. This is reflex behaviour, since it is an involuntary reaction to a sudden stimulus. (If the option meant deliberately banging your feet, it would be voluntary, but in the context of this question it is treated as a reflex response to striking an object.)
• C. Blinking of the eyes: This is a reflex, which protects the eye from dust and bright light.
• D. Jerking of the knee: This is the classic knee-jerk reflex.
• E. Sneezing: This is a reflex to clear irritants from the nasal passage.

Answer: Walking is the only clearly voluntary action in the list, so it is the one that is NOT a reflex action.

Exam tip: When you see "NOT a reflex" questions, look for the action you do deliberately and can choose to start or stop (walking, writing, talking, running). Classic reflexes to memorize: knee jerk, blinking, sneezing, coughing, pupil constriction in bright light, withdrawing a hand from a hot object, and salivating at the smell of food.