Moderate

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for controlling reflex action?

Correct answer: D. Spinal cord

  • A. Corpus callosum
  • B. Pons
  • C. Vermis
  • D. Spinal cord

Explanation

The part of the nervous system responsible for controlling reflex actions is the "Spinal cord." Reflex actions are rapid, involuntary responses to certain stimuli, and they are often controlled at the level of the spinal cord, without involvement from the brain. When a sensory stimulus is detected by sensory neurons, the sensory information is transmitted to the spinal cord. Within the spinal cord, reflex arcs are present, which consist of sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons. The interneurons in the spinal cord process the sensory input and quickly send motor commands back to the muscles or glands involved in the reflex response, bypassing the brain. This arrangement allows for immediate and automatic responses to certain stimuli, even without the conscious involvement of the brain. For example, the knee-jerk reflex (patellar reflex) is controlled by a simple reflex arc in the spinal cord that causes the leg to kick involuntarily when the patellar tendon is tapped.

Last updated

About Coordination and Control

Coordination depends on receptors, neurons, synapses and nerve impulses, with reflex actions traced through the reflex arc and the roles of major brain regions. Chemical coordination covers endocrine glands and hormones, including how hormones regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction and internal balance, unlike rapid nervous control.

Practise Coordination and Control

1,687 free Coordination and Control MCQs from Biology, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Biology questions like this

Biology is on 6 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions