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Multiple Choice
What is a reflex in the context of the nervous system?
A
An involuntary and nearly instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus
B
A conscious decision to move a muscle
C
A delayed response to a stimulus
D
A voluntary response to a stimulus
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the concept of a reflex in the nervous system. A reflex is an automatic and rapid response to a stimulus, which does not involve conscious thought.
Recognize that reflexes are involuntary actions. This means they occur without the need for conscious decision-making, allowing the body to respond quickly to certain stimuli.
Identify the components involved in a reflex action: the sensory receptor, sensory neuron, integration center (often in the spinal cord), motor neuron, and effector (muscle or gland).
Understand the pathway of a reflex arc: the stimulus is detected by sensory receptors, which send signals through sensory neurons to the spinal cord. The spinal cord processes the information and sends signals back through motor neurons to the effector, resulting in a response.
Differentiate reflex actions from voluntary actions, which require conscious thought and decision-making, and are typically slower than reflex actions.