Understanding the Reflex Arc: A Neural Pathway Explained
Reflex Arc Pathway
A reflex arc is the neural pathway that controls a reflex. It consists of a sensory neuron, a relay neuron, and a motor neuron.
1. Sensory neuron
- Receptor detects stimulus
- Sensory neuron carries sensory information from receptor to central nervous system (CNS)
2. Relay neuron
- Sensory neuron synapses with relay neuron in CNS
- Relay neuron carries sensory information from CNS to motor neuron
3. Motor neuron
- Relay neuron synapses with motor neuron in CNS
- Motor neuron carries motor information from CNS to effector
4. Effector - Muscle contracts in response to motor information from motor neuron
5. Response - Limb is withdrawn from painful stimulus
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