Reflex Arc Flashcards
Describe the simple steps of the reflex arc
Stimulus Receptor Sensory neurone Relay neurone Motor neurone Effector Response
What energy transfers happen in the reflex arc?
Electrical impulse
Chemical neurotransmitter
Electrical impulse
What is a synapse?
A synapse is the gap between two neurones
What happens to the chemical neurotransmitter?
Diffuses across the synapse and is absorbed by the other neurone
What is a stimulus?
A sudden change in environment
Give some examples of stimuli
Light Change in position Chemical Temperature Touch Pressure Pain
What does a receptor do?
Detects the change in environment
What happened after the receptor?
Ah electrical impulse is sent along the sensory neurone
What happens after the sensory neurone?
Electrical Impulse is passed to the relay neurone (spinal chord)
What is an effector?
Muscles
Glands
What is a response?
Muscles - contract
Glands - secrete hormones
Give 3 advantages about the reflex arc
Fast response
Brain not involved
Protects the body against damage
