Somatic reflexes are automatic responses of the body that occur without conscious thought. They involve the nervous system and help protect the body from harm. For example, when you touch something hot, sensory receptors in your skin send signals to your spinal cord, which quickly triggers a response to pull your hand away. These reflexes are essential for maintaining balance and coordination. They are mediated by motor neurons that carry signals from the spinal cord to the muscles, allowing for rapid reactions. Common examples include the knee-jerk reflex and the withdrawal reflex when stepping on a sharp object.