Reflex Arc Flashcards
(10 cards)
What are the components of a reflex arc?
Receptor, sensory neuron, integration center(interneurons), motor neuron, effector
What does a receptor do?
A receptor is a sensory neuron that receives the stimulus. Eg: chemoreceptors, thermoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, nocieptors
What does a sensory neuron do?
They receive stimuli from the environment and transmit that information to the CNS
What does an interneuron do?
Internuerons are the bridge between sensory and motor neurons. They relay information between the 2 types of neurons
What does a motor neuron do?
Motor neurons transmit signals from the brain and spinal chord to muscles and gland, enabling speech, swallowing and other bodily functions
What does an effector do?
Effectors makes responses happen, which restore optimum levels, such as a core body temp and blood glucose levels
how does a reflex action occur?
Because of reflex arcs. Sensory neurons send electrical impulses to a relay neuron, which is located in the spinal chord oft the CNS
What is the pathway of electrical impulses in a reflex action
The pathway of information from a sensory neuron through an interneuron to a motor neurons. It bypasses the brain and goes straight to a motor neuron
Why are reflexes important in maintaining homeostasis
They help regulate homeostasis through the unconscious response on internal organs to changes in the environment
Why are reflexes important to proctect the body
Because they are rapid, involuntary responses that help us avoid harmful stimuli before we can consciously process the situation. These automatic reactions minimise damage from potentially dangerous situations
