Crossed extensor reflex
The crossed extensor reflex is a withdrawal reflex.
When the reflex occurs the flexors in the withdrawing limb contract and the extensors relax, while in the other limb the opposite occurs.
An example of this is when a person steps on a nail, the leg that is stepping on the nail pulls away, while the other leg takes the weight of the whole body.[citation needed]
The crossed extensor reflex is contralateral, meaning the reflex occurs on the opposite side of the body from the stimulus.
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Includes flexor (withdrawal) reflex
causes contraction of flexor muscles / relaxation of extensor muscles on one side of the body
and causes relaxation of flexor muscles / contraction of extensor muscles on opposite side of the body
examples: walking; maintaining balance while withdrawing a foot from a painful stimulus