Definition

Relating to a process that involves multiple connections between nerve cells in the nervous system.

Example

The polysynaptic reflex pathway allows for more complex responses to stimuli.

Conversation

I was reading about how our reflexes work, and I came across the term polysynaptic reflex.

Oh, that sounds interesting! What does it mean exactly?

It refers to reflexes that involve two or more synapses in the nervous system.

Got it! That makes sense — I didn't know there were different types of reflexes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polysynaptic → It is formed from "poly-" (from Greek "polus", meaning many) and "synapsis" (from Greek, meaning connection or junction). The word describes a neural pathway involving many connections or synapses.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') connections ('synapsis') in a neural pathway to remember that 'polysynaptic' refers to a system with multiple synapses.

Visually Confused Words