Reflex actions

• Reflex actions do not involve the conscious part of the brain, so are automatic.
• Reflex actions are very fast.
• Reflex actions are innate- not learned responses. They help avoid danger or harm and control basic functions, like breathing.
• A reflex arc works like this:

  1. Stimulus
  2. Receptor
  3. Sensory neurone
  4. Relay neurone
  5. Motor neurone
  6. Effector
  7. Response
• The CNS coordinates the response of effectors:

  1. Stimulus
  2. Receptor
  3. Sensory neurone
  4. Coordinator (CNS)
  5. Motor neurone
  6. Effector (muscle or gland)
  7. Response