reflex arc

noun

, Physiology.

1. the nerve pathways followed by an impulse during a reflex.

reflex arc

noun

1. physiol the neural pathway over which impulses travel to produce a reflex action, consisting of at least one afferent (receptor) and one efferent (effector) neuron

Word History and Origins

Origin of reflex arc¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Experts tend to agree that there is a hiccup reflex arc, or circuit, that includes the vagus and phrenic nerves.

From New York Times

The reflex arc concept in psychology, Dewey says, recognizes that the sensory-motor arc is to be taken as the unit of nerve structure, and the type of nerve function.

From Project Gutenberg

In other words, the reaction of reflex arcs is controllable by the mechanism to whose activity consciousness is adjunct.

From Project Gutenberg

That is, the reflex arc is built up by agencies that are quite independent of the subsequent act.

From Project Gutenberg

The reflex arc can now be described more precisely than before.

From Project Gutenberg