What is a reflex action?

A reflex action is the body's rapid, involuntary response to external stimuli, often used in order to protect it from immediate harm. First, a receptor detects a stimulus, such as a heat source which could burn the skin. A nerve impulse is then passed along the sensory neurone from the receptor to the central nervous system (the spinal cord). The impulse is transferred via a synapse (a gap between two neurones) to a relay neurone within the cord, and then on to a motor neurone via a second synapse. The impulse travels along the motor neurone to an effector (such as a muscle or gland) which brings about the desired response i.e a muscle moving a body part away from the heat source in the burning example .

NA
Answered by Nat A. Biology tutor

35593 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Name and explain the different modes of inheritance.


What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis


Explain the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms


What are the three components required for photosynthesis?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences