The Reflex Arch

Front

What is the role of association neurons in the reflex arc?

Back

Association neurons link afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) pathways, facilitating communication between them.

Front

What is a receptor in the context of the reflex arc?

Back

A receptor is a specialized structure that detects a stimulus and initiates the reflex response.

Front

What is the afferent pathway in the reflex arc?

Back

The afferent pathway, also known as the sensory pathway, carries information from the receptor to the integration center.

Front

What occurs at the integration center in the reflex arc?

Back

The integration center processes the sensory information and determines the appropriate response.

Front

What is the efferent pathway in the reflex arc?

Back

The efferent pathway, or motor pathway, transmits signals from the integration center to the effector.

Front

What is an effector in the reflex arc?

Back

An effector is a muscle or gland that carries out the response to a stimulus.

Front

Describe the sequence of events in a reflex arc.

Back

1. Stimulus detected by receptor. 2. Afferent pathway transmits information to integration center. 3. Integration center processes information. 4. Efferent pathway carries response to effector. 5. Effector executes response.

Front

What is the significance of the reflex arc in the nervous system?

Back

The reflex arc allows for quick, automatic responses to stimuli, protecting the body from harm.

Front

How does the reflex arc differ from voluntary responses?

Back

Reflex arcs are involuntary and occur automatically, while voluntary responses require conscious thought and decision-making.

Front

What types of stimuli can activate a reflex arc?

Back

Reflex arcs can be activated by various stimuli, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical changes.