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The reflex arc follows this exact sequence: Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory neurone → Relay neurone (in spinal cord) → Motor neurone → Effector (muscle or gland) → Response. Use the mnemonic "Smelling Raspberries Requires More Mental Effort" (S-R-R-M-M-E) to remember the order. The key fact that examiners test: the relay neurone is in the spinal cord, not the brain — this is why reflex actions are faster than voluntary actions.
Use "SRRMME" to recall the correct sequence:
- S — Stimulus detected (e.g. heat from a pan)
- R — Receptor responds and generates an impulse
- R — Relay neurone in the spinal cord connects the pathways
- M — Motor neurone carries the signal to the effector
- M — Muscle (effector) contracts
- E — Effect — you pull away from the pain before you consciously feel it
Sentence to help: "Smelling Raspberries Requires More Mental Effort"
Key distinction: The relay neurone is inside the spinal cord — this is what makes the reflex fast. The impulse never needs to travel all the way to the brain before the response happens.
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