Understanding the Components of a Reflex Arc

Receptor: The receptor is the part of the body that detects the stimulus and sends a signal to the spinal cord. Receptors can be located in the skin, muscles, tendons, joints, or internal organs.

Afferent neuron: The afferent neuron is the nerve that carries the signal from the receptor to the spinal cord.

Spinal cord: The spinal cord is responsible for processing the signal from the afferent neuron and sending a signal to the efferent neuron.

Efferent neuron: The efferent neuron is the nerve that carries the signal from the spinal cord to the effector.

Effector: The effector is the muscle or gland that responds to the signal from the efferent neuron.