From touching a hot stove to reading these words, your nervous system processes it all — often faster than you can consciously notice.
A neuron (nerve cell) has three main parts: dendrites (receive signals), a cell body (processes signals), and an axon (sends signals onward).
Which part of a neuron receives incoming signals?
The dendrite
A reflex arc is the pathway of a fast, automatic response: stimulus → receptor → sensory neuron → spinal cord → motor neuron → effector.
Why does a reflex action, like pulling your hand away from something hot, happen before you consciously feel pain?
Because the reflex arc routes the signal through the spinal cord rather than waiting for the brain to process it, producing a much faster automatic response
1. What are the three main parts of a neuron?
2. Which part of a neuron receives signals?
3. Which part of a neuron sends signals onward?
4. What does the central nervous system consist of?
5. What is the peripheral nervous system?
6. List the pathway of a reflex arc in order.
7. Why is a reflex action faster than a consciously-decided action?
8. What is an effector in the context of a reflex arc?
9. Name one everyday example of a reflex action.
10. Why might reflex actions have been important for human survival over time?