reflex arc

arc (ahrk)

1. a structure or projected path having a curved outline.

2. a visible electrical discharge taking the outline of an arc.

3. in neurophysiology, the pathway of neural reactions.

---

reflex arc  the neural arc utilized in a reflex action; an impulse travels centrally over afferent fibers to a nerve center, and the response outward to an effector organ or part over efferent fibers.

Three-neuron reflex arc.

---

reflex arc

n.

The route followed by nerve impulses to produce a reflex act, from the periphery through the afferent nerve to the nervous system, and thence through the efferent nerve to the effector organ.

---

reflex arc

Etymology: L, reflectere, to bend back, arcus, bow

a simple neurologic unit of a sensory neuron that carries a stimulus impulse to the spinal cord, where it connects with a motor neuron that carries the reflex impulse back to an appropriate muscle or gland.

---

arc [ahrk]

a part of the circumference of a circle, or a regularly curved line.

binauricular arc the arc across the top of the head from one auricular point to the other.

reflex arc the circuit traveled by impulses producing a reflex action: receptor organ, afferent nerve, nerve center, efferent nerve, effector organ in a muscle; see also reflex.

Three-neuron reflex arc. From Dorland's, 2000.

---

reflex arc,

n the smallest functional unit of the nervous system that consists of two or more neurons (afferent and efferent) and can react to a stimulus.

Reflex arc.

---

arc

a part of the circumference of a circle, or a regularly curved line.

---

binauricular arc

the arc across the top of the head from one auricular point to the other.

reflex arc

the circuit traveled by impulses producing a reflex action: from the receptor organ, through the afferent nerve, nerve center, efferent nerve, to the effector organ.

---

reflex arc

Neurology The basic conduction pathway through the nervous system, consisting of a sensory neuron, an association neuron, and a motor neuron