Which sequence correctly lists the path from sensor to response in a homeostatic control system?

Which sequence correctly lists the path from sensor to response in a homeostatic control system?

• A. Receptor → Control center → Effector
• B. Effector → Receptor → Control center
• C. Control center → Receptor → Effector
• D. Receptor → Effector → Control center

Answer: (A)

In homeostatic control, a sensor detects a deviation from the desired state, the control center processes that information and determines the appropriate response, and an effector carries out the corrective action to restore balance. The receptor is the sensor that senses the change, the control center interprets the signal and decides what to do, and the effector executes the response. This sequence—receptor → control center → effector—best explains how the body maintains stability. Starting with the effector would skip the sensing and processing steps, and sending information directly from the receptor to the effector bypasses the coordination provided by the control center, which is essential for appropriate and centralized responses.

In homeostatic control, a sensor detects a deviation from the desired state, the control center processes that information and determines the appropriate response, and an effector carries out the corrective action to restore balance. The receptor is the sensor that senses the change, the control center interprets the signal and decides what to do, and the effector executes the response. This sequence—receptor → control center → effector—best explains how the body maintains stability.

Starting with the effector would skip the sensing and processing steps, and sending information directly from the receptor to the effector bypasses the coordination provided by the control center, which is essential for appropriate and centralized responses.