Explain what is meant by the term reflex action.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2014). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [max. 3] fast / instant ;
2. automatic / involuntary / spontaneous / unconscious / AW ;
3. response / reaction;
4. to a stimulus ;
5. [max. 5] named stimulus* ;
6. correct receptor / named* ;
7. impulse / electrical + pulse ;
8. sensory / afferent / receptor + motor / efferent / effector neurones, in correct order;
9. CNS / spinal cord* ;
10. correct or named effector* ;
11. correct action (of effector)* ;
12. [2] automatic / innate / does not need to be learnt ;
13. ref. protection / aids survival / damage limitation;