Example Problem

Question 1

Suppose you sense an insect landing on your thigh, describe the neuron pathway, the types of neuron and system involved. (Open book p:16 & look at image 5.20)

Answer 1

A) In reflex action: you move the leg without thinking

B) In a cancious action: you feel the insect and shake the leg to get the insect off.

Question 2

A) reflex action [ neuron pathway ]

Answer 2

1) a receptor on the skin triggers a sensory neuron that sends a signal to the spinal cord.

2) an interneuron sends the signal to a motor neuron attached to the muscle & the leg moves.

3) the same sensory nerve that activates the reflex action sends the signal through different synapse to the brain. This cause conscious response. the perception that occurs moments after the reflex.

Question 3

B) conscious action [ neuronal pathway ]

Answer 3

• The sensory & motor connection are the same as for the reflex action.
• the signal from sensory neuron travels up the spinal cord to the same motor neuron that attaches to the muscles in the leg so the leg moves.

Question 4

Where does the sensation & response comes from?

Answer 4

From the somatic division of peripheral nervous system

Question 5

Where to the control & initiation of the action come from?

Answer 5

From the central nervous system