Question

What is meant by reflex action? Does only spinal cord act during this situation or brain helps too?

Answer 1

When a receptor is stimulated, it sends a signal to the central nervous system, where the brain co-ordinates the response. But sometimes a very quick response is needed, one that does not need the involvement of the brain. This is a reflex action.

Reflex actions are rapid and happen without us thinking. For example, you would pull your hand away from a hot flame without thinking about it.

This is what happens:

1. receptor detects a stimulus - change in the environment
2. sensory neurone sends signal to relay neurone
3. motor neurone sends signal to effector
4. effector produces a response