Reflex arc

Cards (10)

What is a reflex arc 
The pathway of neurones involved in a reflex action
What are the steps of a reflex arc 
1 The receptor detects a stimulus and creates an action potential in the sensory neurone
2 Sensory neurone carries impulse to spinal cord or brain
3 the relay neurone connect the sensory neurone and motor neurone within the CNS
4 the motor neurone carries the impulse to the effector
What is the spinal cord
A column of nervous tissue running up the back
What surrounds the spinal cord for protection
The spine
What is the blinking reflex
It is involuntary blinking occurring when the cornea is stimulated
What is the purpose of the blinking reflex
It is to keep the cornea safe from damage
What type of reflex is the blinking reflex
Cranial reflex
What is the blinking reflex a cranial reflex 
Since it occurs in the brain not the spinal cord
What do doctors test for the blinking reflex in unconscious patients
To see if the lower brain stem is working
Why do reflexes increase the chance of survival
1 they are involuntary so prevent the brain from being overloaded
2 they do not have to be learnt- present at birth
3 they are extremely fast and many considered every day actions