Question

(a) What is a reflex action? Explain with the help of an example.
(b) Define reflex arc. Give the flow chart of a spinal reflex arc.
(c) How are involuntary actions and reflex actions different from each other?

Answer 1

(a) Reflex action is a rapid and automatic response to a stimulus. It is not under the voluntary control of the brain. For example, if we unknowingly touch a hot plate, we immediately move our hand away from it.
(b) The path travelled by an impulse during a reflex action is called a reflex arc.

Spinal reflex arc:


(c)

Involuntary actions	Reflex actions
These are normal involuntary actions of internal or external organs of the body.	These are sudden involuntary responses to external stimuli.