What is the complete reflex loop for when someone sees something scary?

Question

What is the reflex loop for when someone sees something scary? Receptor/sensor, input/afferent pathway, integrating center, etc. . .

Answer 1

So first off here's a helpful way to remember afferent vs efferent. Use the hint " S A M E", where S and A are grouped together for sensory and afferent, and m and e are grouped together for Motor and efferent. You can also remember " D A Y" , where D and A can be grouped together since they stand for Dorsal and Afferent, referring to where your afferent ( sensory) nerves enter your spinal chord (on the dorsal side). When you see something scary, your afferent (sensory) neurons sense this and communicate to the central nervous system at the spinal chord (again intercepting on the dorsal side). The spinal chord can then relay the message to your brain (visual cortex in the occipital lobe, amygdala, etc.) Your brain can then communicate with motor neurons (efferent pathway) to make your body move away from the threat. Again neurons all have receptors for specific neurotransmitters which are used for communication.