reflex arc
nounUK /ˈriːflɛks ɑːk/
US /ˈriːflɛks ɑːrk/
A reflex arc is the fast path your body uses to react to something without waiting for your brain.
When the doctor tapped her knee, the reflex arc made her leg kick out before she even thought about it.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The anatomical route of nerve signals that produces an automatic response, often used in biology lessons.
The class drew a diagram of a reflex arc showing the sensory and motor neurons.
3. A quick, automatic reaction in a system or process that happens without deliberate control.
The safety valve acts like a reflex arc, shutting off pressure instantly.
4. In computing, an automatic response path that triggers without central processing.
The firmware's reflex arc resets the sensor the moment it detects a fault.