Reflex arc

Definition

The neural pathway through which impulses travel to produce a reflex response.

Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE Biology · 8461

Specification 4.5.2.1 · Paper 2

The pathway taken by nerve impulses to produce a reflex action.
A reflex arc is the pathway that produces this response. It uses the same kinds of electrical impulse as other nervous responses, but it does not need the conscious part of the brain to decide what to do. In a typical withdrawal reflex, the spinal cord, which is part of the central nervous system (CNS), links the incoming signal to an outgoing one.
Revise: Structure & Function of Reflex Arcs

AQA Biology past papers

Edexcel GCSE Biology · 1BI0

Specification 2.14 · Paper 1

Related key terms

Effector
Receptor
Relay neurone
Motor neurone
Sensory neurone

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The neural pathway followed by impulses during a reflex response.

This is possible because the signal follows a short, established neural pathway called a reflex arc. The response does not have to wait for conscious processing in the brain. In a withdrawal reflex, coordination can take place through the spinal cord, which is part of the central nervous system (CNS).

Revise: Reflex Arc

Edexcel Biology past papers

OCR GCSE Biology A · J247

Specification B3.1c · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)

The route followed by nerve impulses during a reflex is called a reflex arc.
Revise: Reflex arc

OCR Biology A past papers

OCR GCSE Biology B · J257

Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)

The nerve pathway that produces a reflex response, linking a receptor to an effector.
A reflex arc is the pathway from a detected stimulus to the response. In a withdrawal reflex, a receptor in the skin detects the heat. A sensory neurone carries an electrical impulse towards the central nervous system.
Revise: Reflex Arcs

OCR Biology B past papers