Describe how the structures involved in a reflex action help co-ordinate a reflex: (image with receptor, effector, spinal cord, synapse and neurones)

A receptor detects a stimulus e.g. pressure. The receptor generates electrical signals. Neurones conduct impulses, a sensory neurone conducts to the spinal cord. There is a synapse between the neurones and the chemical neurotransmitter crosses the synapse. The neurotransmitter stimulates an impulse in the relay neurone. The relay neurone carries the impulse to the motor neurone which acts on the effector. The effector then carries out a response e.g. a muscle would contract/ a gland would release it’s hormone.

PA
Answered by Pareya A. Biology tutor

4418 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how the hormone insulin controls blood glucose concentration


Why do energy and biomass decrease at successive stages of the foodchain?


Compare anaerobic respiration in a yeast cell with anaerobic respiration in a muscle cell.


Describe why diffusion is important in plants and animals


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning