Explain how an action potential helps fulfill the functions of the nervous system by using a reflex arc as an example
2 years ago
Answered By Emily D
This looks like it should be straight from your textbook. Try page 411 of Unit A.
If you don't have a physical copy of the textbook, try googling "Nelson Bio 30 Unit A Nervous System" - it should come up as one of the first results!
Here's a quick break down of the way reflex arcs work:
Sensory receptor - something stimulates a reflex response
Sensory neuron - the signal is fired from the receptor towards the central nervous system
Interneuron - inside the spinal cord, branches between sensory and motor neuron [the signal splits and part is fired up to the brain, which registers pain but this is NOT part of the reflex arc]
Motor neuron - the other signal continues from the interneuron to the motor neuron
Effector/Muscle cells - the signal is relayed from the motor neuron to the muscles and tells them to contract
2 years ago
Answered By Emily D
This looks like it should be straight from your textbook. Try page 411 of Unit A.
If you don't have a physical copy of the textbook, try googling "Nelson Bio 30 Unit A Nervous System" - it should come up as one of the first results!
Here's a quick break down of the way reflex arcs work:
Sensory receptor - something stimulates a reflex response
Sensory neuron - the signal is fired from the receptor towards the central nervous system
Interneuron - inside the spinal cord, branches between sensory and motor neuron [the signal splits and part is fired up to the brain, which registers pain but this is NOT part of the reflex arc]
Motor neuron - the other signal continues from the interneuron to the motor neuron
Effector/Muscle cells - the signal is relayed from the motor neuron to the muscles and tells them to contract