The Reflex Arc (CIE IGCSE Biology: Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award))

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The Reflex Arc

Voluntary Responses

  • A voluntary response is one where you make a conscious decision to carry out a particular action therefore it starts with your brain
    • An example is reaching out to pick up a cup of coffee
  • An involuntary (or reflex) response does not involve the brain as the coordinator of the reaction and you are not aware you have completed it until after you have carried it out
  • Involuntary actions are usually ones which are essential to basic survival and are rapid, whereas voluntary responses often take longer as we consider what the consequences might be before doing it

Reflex Responses

  • An involuntary (or reflex) response does not involve the brain as the coordinator of the reaction and you are not aware you have completed it until after you have carried it out
  • This is an automatic and rapid response to a stimulus such as touching something sharp or hot
  • As it does not involve the brain, a reflex response is quicker than any other type of nervous response
  • This helps to minimise the damage to the body

A reflex, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notesA reflex 

  1. The pin (the stimulus) is detected by a pain/pressure/touch receptor in the skin
  2. Sensory neurone sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord (the coordinator)
  3. Electrical impulse is passed on to relay neurone in the spinal cord 
  4. Relay neurone connects to motor neurone and passes the impulse on
  5. Motor neurone carries impulse to a muscle in the leg (the effector)
  6. The muscle will contract and pull the foot up and away from the sharp object (the response) 

The reflex pathway, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notesThe reflex pathway

Examiner Tip

Reflex actions are:

  1. Automatic 
  2. Fast
  3. Protective

A common exam question is to be asked to draw arrows on the neurones in the reflex arc diagram to show the direction of movement of the impulseMake sure you read questions carefully – not all questions have a line underneath them to write an answer, so they can be easy to miss!

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Emma

Author: Emma

Expertise: Biology

Prior to working at SME, Emma was a Biology teacher for 5 years. During those years she taught three different GCSE exam boards and two A-Level exam boards, gaining a wide range of teaching expertise in the subject. Emma particularly enjoys learning about ecology and conservation. Emma is passionate about making her students achieve the highest possible grades in their exams by creating amazing revision resources!