# A student touches a hot surface and quickly pulls their hand away before they feel any pain. Explain why the student's hand moves before they are aware of the pain.

> WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 3.8 The nervous system · Explain · 5 marks

> The student's hand is pulled away by a reflex action. The pain sensation is felt a short time afterwards.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The reflex arc does not involve the brain / the reflex arc passes through the spinal cord only
2. The reflex arc is a faster/shorter pathway than the conscious pathway to the brain
3. The pain signal / impulse still travels to the brain along sensory neurones
4. The brain takes longer to process / receive the impulse so the pain is felt after the hand has already moved
5. The reflex action is automatic / involuntary and protects the body from harm / damage

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-touches-a-hot-surface-235d31b8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.