# Explain how a nerve impulse is transmitted from a receptor to an effector during a voluntary action, naming the types of neurones involved.

> OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247) — B3.1 Coordination and control — the nervous system · Explain · 4 marks

> A student is sitting an exam and decides to pick up their pen to start writing. This is a voluntary action coordinated by the nervous system.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A receptor detects a stimulus and generates an impulse / signal
2. The impulse travels along a sensory neurone to the CNS (brain and/or spinal cord)
3. The impulse passes through a relay neurone within the CNS
4. A motor neurone transmits the impulse from the relay neurone to the effector, which produces a response

## Key terms

- [receptor](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/receptor)
- [effector](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/effector)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247)](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/explain-how-a-nerve-impulse-is-d6e5fd7f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.