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Difficulty: EasyNervous Coordination and Sense Organs

In a mammalian spinal reflex arc, which neural component carries nerve impulses away from the central nervous system directly to an effector organ?

  1. Motor neuronAnswer
  2. B
    Sensory neuron
  3. C
    Relay neuron
  4. D
    Receptor cell

Answer

Motor neuron
The motor neuron (efferent neuron) is structurally and functionally adapted to conduct action potentials away from the gray matter of the spinal cord directly to muscle fibers or glands, triggering a reflex action.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Trace the directional pathway of nerve impulse transmission in a spinal reflex arc.
Sensory receptor → Sensory neuron → Central Nervous System (Relay neuron) → Motor neuron → Effector organ.
Reflex arcs operate along a strict unidirectional path from stimulus detection to physiological response.
2
Identify which neuron functions efferently by connecting the central integration center to the response tissue.
The motor neuron conducts impulses outgoing from the spinal cord to muscle fibers or secretory glands.
Effector organs require motor innervation to carry out involuntary responses.

Key Concept

Directionality and functional classification of neurons in a spinal reflex arc
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Topics

Nervous Coordination and Sense Organs

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