reflexes Flashcards
what is a reflex?
a reflex is a rapid, automatic (involuntary) response to a stimulus
what is a reflex arc?
a reflex arc is the pathway taken by impulses during a reflex action
what three neurons does a simple reflex such as moving a hand away from a hot object involve?
the receptors detect the stimulus and transmit impulses along the sensory neurone to the brain or spinal cord.
the sensory neurone synapses with a relay neurone, which passes impulses to the motor neurone.
impulses are transmitted along the motor neurone to the effector. in this example, the muscles which remove the hand from the hot object.
the nervous system involves the …
nervous responses are …
the nervous system involves the transmission of electrical impulses along neurones.
nervous responses are rapid, short-lived and localised.
