Reflex Action

Question 1

Reflex loop

Answer 1

• Spinal cord makes decision and sends a message back to the muscle rather than the brain

Question 2

Example of invlountary response

Answer 2

• STIMULUS- a tap stretches the tendon below the knee
• Stretch RECEPTORS in the leg muscle fire off signal
• Sensory neurones- carry the signal from the RECEPTOR
• Connector neurones- connect to motor neurons in the spinal cord (inter-neurones)
• Motor neurons carry the message to the EFFECTOR
• RESPONSE- the knee straightens as leg muscles contract

Question 3

Example of voluntary response

Answer 3

• Light reflected off a gold ring stimulate receptors in the retina of the eye
• Optic sensory neurones send messages to the right area of the brain
• The occipital area decodes the messages and the persons sees the ring
• The cerebral cortex decides what to do with the ring
• Brain decides to pick up ring and sends messages to the spinal cord
• Motor neurones take the message to an effector
• The arm muscles contract and the person picks up the gold ring