What term describes the neural pathway in a reflex action that includes a sensory nerve and a motor nerve with a synapse in between?

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Reflex arc is the neural pathway that mediates a reflex action. It begins with a sensory receptor sending a signal through a sensory (afferent) neuron to the spinal cord, where a synapse occurs with a motor neuron (often via an interneuron). The motor neuron then carries the impulse to the effector muscle, producing a rapid, automatic response. Because this pathway includes both a sensory input and a motor output connected by a synapse in between, the term reflex arc is the best fit. An afferent or sensory pathway describes only the incoming signal from receptors to the CNS, while an efferent pathway describes only the outgoing signal from the CNS to the muscles; neither alone captures the complete loop of sensing, synaptic processing, and responding that defines a reflex arc.