What is the pathway of an impulse in a reflex arc?

Reflex Arc Pathway

A reflex arc is the neural pathway that controls a reflex. It consists of a sensory neuron, a relay neuron, and a motor neuron.

1. Sensory neuron

- Receptor detects stimulus

- Sensory neuron carries sensory information from receptor to central nervous system (CNS)

2. Relay neuron

- Sensory neuron synapses with relay neuron in CNS

- Relay neuron carries sensory information from CNS to motor neuron

3. Motor neuron

- Relay neuron synapses with motor neuron in CNS

- Motor neuron carries motor information from CNS to effector

4. Effector - Muscle contracts in response to motor information from motor neuron

5. Response - Limb is withdrawn from painful stimulus