Explain a reflex arc

A reflex arc is the nerve pathway which follows a reflex action. First a stimulus, like a pin prick, is detected by receptors in the skin. A sensory neurone then sends electrical impulses to a relay neurone, which are located in the spinal cord. These connect sensory neurons to motor neurones. The motor neurone sends electrical impulses to an effector, which causes a response to occur, such as the muscle contracting to pull away from the pin prick.

Answered by Clara S. Biology tutor

9610 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is Evolution?


Explain how shivering helps to raise a persons body temperature.


How does binocular vision help people judge distances?


Meiosis and mitosis are different types of division in human cells. Compare the two processes by referring to where each takes place and the kind of products that are made.


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