Reflex Arc

Question 1

Three steps of a Reflex Arc

Answer 1

Sensory Input
Integration
Motor Output

Question 2

Sensory Input in a Reflex Arc

Answer 2

Sensory neurons gather info from sensory receptors (senses) & transmit them to the CNS

Question 3

Integration in a Reflex Arc

Answer 3

Link between the sensory & motor neurons to process incoming sensory info & relay outgoing motor info. (Interneurons which are only found in the CNS)

Question 4

Motor Output in a Reflex Arc

Answer 4

Motor neurons transmit info. from the CNS to the muscles, organs (effectors) & glands

Question 5

What do we have reflexes?

Answer 5

They are designed to help us to react to dangerous situations before we can consciously know it’s a threat
Eg, hand on a hot stove

Question 6

What is a Reflex Arc?

Answer 6

Simple connections of neurons that can explain reflexive behaviours
They move directly to and from the brain and spinal cord (this is why we will use our reflexes before we feel the pain)
Uses few neurons to transmit the message fast (<50ms)

Question 7

The five essential components of a Withdrawal Reflex RSIME

Answer 7

Receptor
Sensory neuron
Interneuron & spinal cord
Motor neuron
Effector

Question 8

Why are Reflex Arcs useful?

Answer 8

Sometimes we must act faster than we can think to prevent serious injury or death
Reflexes bypass the brain to make quick decisions and actions
For example, you move your hand off of a hot stove before you feel the full effect of the pain