Motor neurons are also referred to as which type of neurons?

Motor neurons are referred to as efferent neurons because they are responsible for transmitting signals away from the central nervous system to effectors such as muscles and glands. When the brain or spinal cord sends a signal to initiate movement or a physiological response, it travels along these motor neurons. This is crucial for voluntary and involuntary movements, showcasing the role of efferent neurons in the nervous system’s overall functioning.

In contrast, afferent neurons carry sensory information from the body to the central nervous system, sensory neurons are specifically those that respond to sensory stimuli and send this information to the brain, and interneurons serve as connectors between sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system. Each of these types of neurons has distinct functions, emphasizing the specific role of motor or efferent neurons in computing the body’s overall response to stimuli through movement or action.