Question

Answer the following question:
What is a reflex action? Explain it with two examples. 

Answer 1

Reflex action.

Any sudden action in response to some happening in the environment, without thinking about it or without feeling in control of our reactions is called reflex action.

1. Reflex action

• The sudden action in response to some happenings in the environment is called reflex action.
• It is an involuntary action that we perform automatically.
• The pathway has taken by nerve impulses in a reflex action is called reflex arcs. Reflex arcs allow a rapid response.
• A nerve from all over the body meet in a bundle in such a connection is commonly called as the spinal cord, before impulses are sent to the brain.
• Hence, reflex arcs are formed in the spinal cord, although the messages reach the brain.

Pulling away from our hands-on touching a hot object, narrowing of the eyes in the sunlight, watering of the mouth on smelling something delicious, etc. are examples of reflex action.