The reflex arc is the name for the pathway that carries out an impulse from the location of the perceived stimulus to action (often performed by a muscle). In this example, the heat from a candle is the perceived stimulus. This stimulus activates the receptor, and the impulse is transmitted to the sensory nerve. The sensory information is then passed on to the central nervous system. Here, the impulse is carried to the motor nerve, which in turn causes the muscle to contract.