Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

13. The Peripheral Nervous System

Reflex Arcs

Anatomy & Physiology

13. The Peripheral Nervous System

Reflex Arcs

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Problem 8

Textbook Question

What are the components of a visceral reflex arc?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that a visceral reflex arc is an involuntary response that regulates the function of internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and digestive system.

Identify the five main components of a visceral reflex arc: 1) receptor, 2) sensory neuron, 3) integration center, 4) motor neuron, and 5) effector.

Learn that the receptor detects changes in the internal environment, such as blood pressure or chemical levels, and sends signals to the sensory neuron.

Recognize that the sensory neuron transmits the signal to the integration center, typically located in the central nervous system (CNS), where the information is processed.

Understand that the motor neuron carries the response signal from the integration center to the effector, which is the organ or tissue that carries out the reflex action, such as contracting a muscle or secreting a substance.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Visceral Reflex Arc

A visceral reflex arc is a neural pathway that mediates involuntary responses to stimuli affecting internal organs. It typically involves sensory neurons that detect changes in the internal environment, interneurons that process the information, and motor neurons that trigger a response in smooth or cardiac muscles or glands.

Components of the Reflex Arc

The components of a reflex arc include the sensory receptor, which detects a stimulus; the sensory neuron, which transmits the signal to the central nervous system; the integration center, often located in the spinal cord or brain; the motor neuron, which carries the response signal away from the CNS; and the effector, which executes the response, such as muscle contraction or gland secretion.

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary bodily functions and is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The visceral reflex arc is primarily governed by the ANS, which controls reflexes related to internal organs, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, ensuring homeostasis in response to internal changes.