The pathway in a simple reflex arc consists of five main components:
1. Sensory receptor: This is the first component of the reflex arc and it detects a stimulus from the environment. The sensory receptor can be a specialized cell, such as a photoreceptor in the eye, or a nerve ending, such as a pain receptor in the skin.
2. Sensory neuron: The sensory neuron transmits the signal from the sensory receptor to the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord.
3. Interneuron (optional): In some reflex arcs, an interneuron in the spinal cord may receive the signal from the sensory neuron and send a message to the motor neuron, skipping the brain entirely. This allows for a faster response to the stimulus.
4. Motor neuron: The motor neuron carries the signal from the CNS to an effector organ, such as a muscle or gland, which will respond to the stimulus.
5. Effector: The effector organ carries out the response to the stimulus. For example, a muscle will contract or relax, or a gland will release a hormone.
Overall, the pathway in a simple reflex arc is from the sensory receptor to the sensory neuron, then to the interneuron or directly to the motor neuron, and finally to the effector organ. This pathway allows for a rapid and automatic response to a stimulus without requiring conscious thought.
Indentify the pathway in a simple reflex arc
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