Reflex arc is controlled by?

A reflex arc is an automatic response to a stimulus that bypasses conscious control and involves a specific pathway in the nervous system. The control of reflex arcs primarily resides in the spinal cord, although some reflexes may involve the brain as well.

The basic components of a reflex arc include:

Receptor: The sensory receptor detects the stimulus and initiates the reflex. It could be specialized nerve endings in the skin, muscles, or other tissues.

Sensory Neuron: The sensory neuron carries the information from the receptor to the central nervous system (CNS). In the case of a spinal reflex, the sensory neuron transmits the signal directly to the spinal cord.

Integration Center: The integration center is the part of the CNS that processes the sensory information and determines the appropriate response. In the case of a spinal reflex, this integration occurs in the spinal cord. However, for more complex reflexes, such as those involving the brain, the integration may occur in specific regions of the brain.

Motor Neuron: The motor neuron carries the response signal from the integration center to the effector organ, which could be a muscle or a gland.

Effector: The effector is the target organ that carries out the response. For example, in a reflex where you withdraw your hand from a hot surface, the effector would be the muscles in your arm.

In summary, the control of a reflex arc primarily lies within the spinal cord, although higher-level reflexes may involve the brain as well.