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

2603 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the Control of Blood Sugar Concentration in the body under normal physiological conditions (4 Marks)


Describe how different environmental factors affect the direction of growth of roots and the direction of growth of shoots.


Why will antibiotics not cure the flu? Why should they not be overused?


Describe how the structure of alveoli in the lungs enables efficient oxygen supply during aerobic respiration?


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