BiologyControl and Coordination

Reflex Arc Timer

Compare a spinal reflex with a conscious brain response.

Pathway

Nerve path length1 m

Response time

30ms

Route

Receptor → sensory → spinal cord → motor → muscle

Time (ms)30

Reflex arc — signal pathResponse time: 30 ms

Click to start animation

Reflex arcs bypass the brain so that the response is fast enough to prevent injury.

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