Reflex Action And Reflex Arc Flashcards
Flashcard 1
Q: What is a reflex action?
A: A reflex action is an automatic, rapid response to a stimulus that occurs without conscious thought to protect the body from harm, such as withdrawing a hand from a hot object.
Flashcard 2
Q: What is a reflex arc?
A: A reflex arc is the pathway followed by nerve impulses during a reflex action, consisting of a sensory receptor, sensory neuron, relay neuron (in the spinal cord), motor neuron, and an effector (like a muscle).
Flashcard 3
Q: How does a reflex arc function?
A: In a reflex arc, a stimulus activates sensory receptors, which send impulses through sensory neurons to the spinal cord. The impulses are then relayed by interneurons to motor neurons, which trigger an immediate response in the effector (muscle or gland).
Flashcard 4
Q: Why are reflex actions important for the body?
A: Reflex actions are important for quick responses to potential threats, minimizing damage, and ensuring survival by bypassing the brain and directly involving the spinal cord for faster reaction times.
Flashcard 5
Q: Give an example of a reflex action and its pathway.
A: Example: Touching a hot object.
Pathway:
• Stimulus: Heat detected by skin receptors.
• Sensory Neuron: Sends signal to spinal cord.
• Interneuron: Relays signal to motor neuron.
• Motor Neuron: Sends signal to muscles of the hand.
• Effector: Muscles contract, withdrawing hand.
Flashcard 6
Q: What are the components of a reflex arc?
A: A reflex arc consists of five parts:
1. Receptor
2. Sensory neuron
3. Interneuron (in spinal cord)
4. Motor neuron
5. Effector (muscle/gland)
Flashcard 7
Q: Where does the processing of reflex action occur in the body?
A: Reflex actions are processed in the spinal cord, not in the brain, which allows for faster responses.
Flashcard 8
Q: What is the role of sensory neurons in a reflex arc?
A: Sensory neurons carry signals from receptors (in the skin, for example) to the spinal cord.
Flashcard 9
Q: What is the role of motor neurons in a reflex arc?
A: Motor neurons carry the response signal from the spinal cord to the effector (such as muscles) to generate an action.
Flashcard 10
Q: Define the term “effector” in a reflex arc.
A: An effector is a muscle or gland that performs the response action (e.g., moving your hand away from a hot object).
Flashcard 11
Q: How do reflex actions differ from voluntary actions?
A: Reflex actions are involuntary and occur without conscious thought, while voluntary actions are controlled by the brain and involve conscious decision-making.
