Reflexes

• what is a reflex action?

  • an involuntary response to a sensory stimulus
• what are the components of a reflex arc?

  • receptor detects stimulus and creates an action potential in the sensory neurone
  • sensory neurone carries impulse to the spinal cord
  • relay neurone connects sensory neurone to the motor neurone within spinal cord or brain
  • motor neurone carries impulse to effector to carry out appropriate response
• what is the role of the spinal cord?

  communication pathway between brain and rest of the body
• why is the blinking reflex classified as a cranial reflex?

  • neurones go to brain rather than spinal cord
• what is the importance of the reflex when touching a hot object?

  • withdraw from stimulus to avoid damage, reducing severity of damage