What is a neural reflex arc?
The reflex arc is a special type of neural circuit that begins with a sensory neuron at a receptor (e.g., a pain receptor in the fingertip) and ends with a motor neuron at an effector (e.g., a skeletal muscle).
What part of the brain controls reflex arc?
brain stem
The brain stem, which consists of the medulla (an enlarged portion of the upper spinal cord), pons and midbrain (lower animals have only a medulla). The brain stem controls the reflexes and automatic functions (heart rate, blood pressure), limb movements and visceral functions (digestion, urination).
What is the neural pathway for a reflex called?
reflex arc
The anatomical pathway of a reflex is called the reflex arc. It consists of an afferent (or sensory) nerve, usually one or more interneurons within the central nervous system, and an efferent (motor, secretory, or secreto-motor) nerve.
Does reflex arc involve brain?
The path taken by the nerve impulses in a reflex is called a reflex arc. In higher animals, most sensory neurons do not pass directly into the brain, but synapse in the spinal cord. Reflexes do not require involvement of the brain, although in some cases the brain can prevent reflex action.
What 4 things make up a reflex arc?
The simplest arrangement of a reflex arc consists of the receptor, an interneuron (or adjustor), and an effector; together, these units form a functional group. Sensory cells carry input from the receptor (afferent impulses) to a central interneuron, which makes contact with a motor neuron.
What is the Golgi tendon organ reflex?
The Golgi tendon reflex (also called inverse stretch reflex, autogenic inhibition, tendon reflex) is an inhibitory effect on the muscle resulting from the muscle tension stimulating Golgi tendon organs (GTO) of the muscle, and hence it is self-induced.
What happens in a reflex arc?
Reflex arcs Receptor in the skin detects a stimulus (the change in temperature). Sensory neuron sends electrical impulses to a relay neuron, which is located in the spinal cord of the CNS. Motor neuron sends electrical impulses to an effector. Effector produces a response (muscle contracts to move hand away).
Where does the reflex arc take place in the brain?
Reflex actions happen through the reflex arc, which is a neural pathway that controls the reflexes. The receptor here is the sense organ that senses danger. The sensory neurons pick up signals from the sensory organ and send them through other neurons which are interconnected.
What are the two types of reflex arc?
Formally, there are two types of reflex arc: ‘autonomic reflex arc’ (affecting inner organs) and ‘somatic reflex arc’ (affecting muscles); reflexology can be associated with the first type. This implicates that (hand) reflexology should not be associated with casual uses of the terms: ‘reflex’, ‘hand reflex’ and ‘ primitive reflexes ‘.
What is the neural pathway that controls reflexes?
The neural pathway that controls the reflexes occurs through the reflex arc. It acts on an impulse even before it reaches the brain. There are some stimuli that require an automatic, instantaneous response without the need of conscious thought. The following diagram shows the reflex arc pathway.
Which is effector carries out the reflex arc?
Reflex arc. Effector muscle innervated by the efferent nerve fiber carries out the response. A reflex arc, then, is the pathway followed by nerves which (a.) carry sensory information from the receptor to the spinal cord, and then (b) carry the response generated by the spinal cord to effector organ(s) during a reflex action.