Explain how a reflex arc works using an example

A stimulus is detected by a sensory receptor, e.g. pain detected by a pain receptor when the arm touches a sharp pin etcThis causes a nerve impulse to be created which travels along a sensory neurone to the spinal cord.The sensory nerve synapses with an relay neurone and the impulse was transmitted across.THe relay neurone transmits the impulse from the back of the spinal cord to the front of the spinal cord to a motor neurone.the motor neurone carries the impulse to the effector muscle which causes the muscle to contract.This pulls the arm away from the pin.

KS
Answered by Kewin S. Biology tutor

2701 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the process of natural selection?


What are the issues of monocropping in agriculture and how could inputting hedgerows improve this?


If populations of species become isolated, new species are more likely to develop. Explain why. (2 marks)


Describe the structure of the heart and its function in the human circulatory system.


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