# Explain how the central nervous system coordinates a response when a person touches a hot surface, without involving a reflex arc.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.5.2 The human nervous system · Explain · 4 marks

> A student places their hand on a hot surface. Receptors in the skin detect the high temperature and send information to the central nervous system, which then coordinates a voluntary response.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Receptors in the skin detect the stimulus (high temperature / heat)
2. Electrical impulses / signals are sent to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
3. The CNS / brain acts as a coordination centre and processes the information
4. The CNS sends impulses to an effector (muscle or gland) to bring about a response (e.g. pulling the hand away)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](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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