Reflex arc
Reflex Arc
A Reflex Arc (/ˈriː.flɛks ɑːrk/) is a neural pathway that controls a reflex, an automatic response to a stimulus. The term "reflex arc" is derived from the Latin reflexus, meaning "bent back", and arcus, meaning "arc" or "bow".
Structure
A reflex arc typically involves five components: the sensory receptor, the sensory neuron, the interneuron, the motor neuron, and the effector.
- The sensory receptor detects a change in the environment or a specific stimulus.
- The sensory neuron transmits this information to the central nervous system.
- The interneuron in the spinal cord processes the information and determines an appropriate response.
- The motor neuron carries the response command from the spinal cord to the effector.
- The effector (a muscle or gland) carries out the response.
Function
The primary function of a reflex arc is to provide a rapid, automatic response to potentially harmful stimuli. This can help to protect the body from damage. For example, the withdrawal reflex is a type of reflex arc that causes a person to automatically pull their hand away from a hot object.
Types
There are two main types of reflex arcs: autonomic reflex arcs and somatic reflex arcs.
- Autonomic reflex arcs control automatic functions such as heart rate and digestion.
- Somatic reflex arcs control voluntary movements such as pulling your hand away from a hot object.
Related Terms
- Monosynaptic reflex: A reflex arc involving only two neurons, a sensory neuron and a motor neuron.
- Polysynaptic reflex: A reflex arc involving multiple synapses and interneurons.
- Spinal reflex: A reflex controlled at the level of the spinal cord.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Reflex arc
- Wikipedia's article - Reflex arc
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski