A
reflex arc is a
neural pathway that controls a reflex action. In higher animals, most sensory neurons do not pass directly into the
brain, but synapse in the
spinal cord. This characteristic allows reflex actions to occur relatively quickly by activating spinal motor neurons without the delay of routing signals through the brain, although the brain will receive sensory input while the reflex is carried out. Analysis of the signal takes place after action has been taken.