what is the reflex arc
the pathway along which nerve impulses are carried from receptor to effector to bring about a reflex action
parts of reflex arc
receptor sensory neuron interneuron motor neuron effector
receptor
detects stimulus and converts it into an impulse
sensory neuron
conducts the impulse from receptor to the grey matter of CNS
what is the interneuron
serves as the reflex centre in the grey matter of the spinal cord
interneuron functions
conducts impulse from the sensory neuron to the motor neuron
motor neuron
conducts the impulse from the CNS to effector
effector
responds to the original stimulus with a reflex action
significance of the reflex arc
- prevents overload of higher centres of the brain
functioning of reflex arc
receptors detect sensory neuron interneuron, serves as reflex arc impulse exits spinal cord, conducted to the effector effector causes reflex action