Chapter 12, Problem 1CYU

In which direction are afferent signals carried? What type of information do these signals contain?

Summary Introduction

To review:

The direction of afferent signals and the type of information carried by these signals.

Introduction:

Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system and are responsible for carrying information from different body parts to the brain and in the opposite direction as well. The neurons innervate all parts of the body. The signals carried by the neurons in either of the direction carry different type of information.

Explanation of Solution

The nervous system of the body is associated with receiving and transmitting the signals from different parts of the body to the brain and the spinal cord and the same occurs in the opposite direction. The inputs received by the nervous system are termed as the sensory inputs. The signals transmitted by the nervous system are regarded as the motor signals.

The sensory inputs are also termed as the afferent inputs. Sensory stimulations from various parts of the body are received by the afferent neurons. They transmit the signal from the tissues to the brain. The brain responds to the sensory inputs and transmits the motor signals to the associated body part that reacts in response to the stimulus.