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What are reflex actions and reflex arc?
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What are reflex actions and reflex arc?
Reflex Actions and Reflex Arc


Reflex actions are involuntary movements that occur in response to a stimulus. They are quick and automatic, and they do not require conscious thought. Reflex actions are important for survival because they allow the body to respond rapidly to potentially dangerous stimuli. For example, if you touch a hot stove, you will automatically withdraw your hand before you even realize what has happened.


Reflex Arc


Reflex actions are controlled by a neural pathway called the reflex arc. The reflex arc is a simple neural circuit that allows a rapid response to a stimulus without involving the brain. The reflex arc consists of five components:



  • Receptor: The receptor is a sensory neuron that detects the stimulus and sends a signal to the spinal cord.

  • Sensory neuron: The sensory neuron carries the signal from the receptor to the spinal cord.

  • Interneuron: The interneuron is located in the spinal cord and receives the signal from the sensory neuron. It processes the signal and sends a signal to the motor neuron.

  • Motor neuron: The motor neuron carries the signal from the spinal cord to the effector.

  • Effector: The effector is a muscle or gland that carries out the response to the stimulus.



When a stimulus is detected by the receptor, it sends a signal to the spinal cord via the sensory neuron. The interneuron processes the signal and sends a signal to the motor neuron, which carries the signal to the effector. The effector then carries out the response to the stimulus. This entire process occurs in a fraction of a second and without conscious thought.


Types of Reflex Actions


There are two types of reflex actions:



  • Innate reflexes: Innate reflexes are reflexes that are present from birth. They are automatic and do not require learning. Examples of innate reflexes include the blink reflex and the suckling reflex.

  • Learned reflexes: Learned reflexes are reflexes that are acquired through experience. They involve conscious thought and require learning. Examples of learned reflexes include the knee-jerk reflex and the withdrawal reflex.

Community Answer
What are reflex actions and reflex arc?
Reflex Action :--- It is a quick response to a stimulus controlled by spinal cord...Reflex Arc:-- It is the pathway for the reflex action ....
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What are reflex actions and reflex arc?
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