Reaction time is the time it takes for a person to respond to a stimulus, like catching a ruler that’s dropped without warning. In GCSE Biology, we learn that reaction time involves the nervous system, which includes the brain, neurones, and spinal cord. When our senses detect something, such as seeing the ruler fall, a message travels through sensory neurones to the brain. The brain then sends a message through motor neurones to the muscles to move and catch the ruler. This process can happen in a split second. Factors like age, alertness, and practice can affect how fast a person’s reaction time is.
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