A reflex arc occurs when: Select one: a. a sensory nerve sends a message to the brain but the motor nerve fails to send the appropriate response to the body. b. the motor nerves function automatically without receiving a message from the CNS. c. the brain interprets sensory information that it receives from peripheral and cranial nerves and sends a signal to the muscles. d. a sensory nerve detects an irritating stimulus and bypasses the brain by sending a direct message to the motor nerve.