Edexcel GCSE Biology

Reflex arc

Edexcel GCSE Biology revision on Reflex arc. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology 1BI0 specification. This bank has 5 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 5)

  1. Question 1

    Which structure in the reflex arc is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses directly from the sensory neurone to the motor neurone?

    • A) The relay neurone
    • B) The effector muscle
    • C) The spinal cord grey
    • D) The dorsal root node
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    Answer: The relay neurone

    In a reflex arc, the sensory neurone sends a signal to the central nervous system. A relay neurone, located in the spinal cord, processes this signal and passes it to the motor neurone. This bypasses the conscious brain, ensuring a rapid response.

  2. Question 2

    What is the primary biological purpose of the reflex arc in human survival?

    • A) To process complex thought
    • B) To minimise tissue damage
    • C) To control heart rate flow
    • D) To enable memory storage
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    Answer: To minimise tissue damage

    Because reflex arcs do not involve the conscious brain, the response time is extremely fast. This allows the body to withdraw from dangerous stimuli, such as hot surfaces or sharp objects, before significant injury occurs.

  3. Question 3

    Which specific component of the reflex arc is defined as the organ or tissue that produces a response to a stimulus?

    • A) The sensory receptor
    • B) The motor neurone cell
    • C) The effector organ
    • D) The relay neurone path
    Show answer

    Answer: The effector organ

    The effector is the final part of the reflex arc. It is typically a muscle that contracts or a gland that secretes a hormone in response to the electrical impulse sent by the motor neurone.

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