5.2.2 Reflex Actions

• Reflex actions occur without conscious thought.


  True
• What is the neural pathway that enables a reflex action called?

  Reflex arc
• Match the components of the reflex arc with their descriptions:

  Sensory receptor ↔️ Detects the stimulus

  Sensory neuron ↔️ Carries impulse to spinal cord

  Relay neuron ↔️ Transmits impulse in spinal cord

  Motor neuron ↔️ Carries impulse to effector

  Effector ↔️ Responds to impulse
• The reflex arc begins when a sensory receptor detects a stimulus
• Voluntary actions require conscious planning and decision-making.

  True
• Reflex actions protect the body without conscious awareness.

  True
• The sensory neuron carries the nerve impulse from the sensory receptor to the spinal cord
• The sensory neuron carries the nerve impulse from the sensory receptor to the brain

  False
• Match the reflex arc component with its description:

  Sensory receptor ↔️ Detects the stimulus

  Motor neuron ↔️ Carries impulse to effector

  Effector ↔️ Responds to impulse
• What does a sensory receptor detect in the reflex arc?

  Stimulus
• Which type of neuron transmits the impulse to the motor neuron?

  Relay neuron
• What type of control characterizes reflex actions?

  Involuntary
• What is the stimulus for the blinking reflex?

  Object approaching eye
• The knee-jerk reflex is tested by tapping the tendon below the kneecap
• What is a reflex action?

  Automatic, rapid, involuntary response
• Reflex actions are designed to protect the body from harm
• Steps of the reflex arc pathway

  1️⃣ Sensory receptor detects the stimulus

  2️⃣ Sensory neuron carries the impulse to the spinal cord

  3️⃣ Relay neuron transmits the impulse to the motor neuron

  4️⃣ Motor neuron carries the impulse to the effector

  5️⃣ Effector produces the reflex action
• The reflex arc allows the body to react without conscious thought.


  True
• What is the key difference between reflex actions and voluntary actions?

  Involuntary vs. voluntary control
• Reflex actions follow the reflex arc
• What is the role of the effector in a reflex arc?

  Produces the reflex action
• The sensory receptor detects the stimulus and generates a nerve impulse
• Steps of the reflex arc pathway

  1️⃣ Stimulus detected by sensory receptor

  2️⃣ Nerve impulse travels along sensory neuron

  3️⃣ Impulse passed to relay neuron in spinal cord

  4️⃣ Relay neuron transmits impulse to motor neuron

  5️⃣ Motor neuron carries impulse to effector

  6️⃣ Effector produces reflex action
• The reflex arc allows the body to react quickly and automatically to stimuli without the involvement of the brain
• The sensory neuron carries the nerve impulse to the spinal cord.


  True
• The effector responds to the nerve impulse by producing a reflex action
• Match the action with its type:

  Pulling hand from heat ↔️ Reflex action

  Writing a letter ↔️ Voluntary action
• The withdrawal reflex protects the body from heat.


  True
• What is the purpose of the coughing/sneezing reflex?

  Clear respiratory system
• Reflex actions enhance survival by enabling quick, defensive reactions.


  True