Reflex action is an automatic, quick, and involuntary response to a stimulus that does not involve the conscious part of the brain.
Reflex actions are controlled by the spinal cord, not the brain.
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They help protect the body from immediate harm or danger.
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These actions happen without thinking, which makes them fast and efficient.
- Example of Reflex Action:
Touching a hot object:
When you accidentally touch a hot pan, you immediately withdraw your hand.
This response happens without waiting for the brain to decide.
The sensory nerves carry the message to the spinal cord → spinal cord sends an immediate signal to muscles → hand pulls back.
Pathway of Reflex Action (Reflex Arc):
Stimulus (heat)Receptor (skin)
Sensory neuron
Spinal cord (control center)
Motor neuron
Effector (muscles)
Response (pulling hand away)
- Common Reflexes:
Blinking when something comes close to your eyes
- Sneezing due to dust
- Knee-jerk reaction at the doctor’s office
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