The amazing Reflex Action

The body's ability to perform reflex actions is a safety factor that often prevents further injury. For example, if a glow fell on the toe, sensory nerve impulses goes to the spinal cord and came into contact with the motor nerves. Motor nerves are designed to direct impulses to muscle fibers in the leg. They contract and remove their feet from the burning coal in a split second. This reflex action does not involve conscious thinking. The pain is felt only when the foot moves away and the sensory nerve impulses that continue their journey reach the brain. By avoiding the brain first, the nerve impulses involved in the reflex actions bring the body out of danger almost immediately. It's a really an incredible mechanism!